About Us

How We Serve You

Studying abroad is challenging, which is why we offer a range of services and support. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is one of four units within the Office of Internationalization. Located in the International House, we provide the following services to international students and scholars on campus:

  • Advocacy for international student and scholar issues on campus
  • Cultural adjustment and immigration advising
  • Orientation and employment workshops
  • Support of international student organizations
  • Cross-cultural programming
  • Issuance of immigration documents, authorizations, and certification letters

Our Team

  • Theresa Johnson

    Director
    303-871-2371
    Theresa.Johnson@du.edu

    • BA in International Studies, American University
    • M.Ed in International Education, George Washington University
    • Studied Abroad in Belgium and France
    • Previous experience working with Fulbright Scholars at IIE and with international students and scholars at Northwestern University
  • Katie Pettet

    Assistant Director
    303-871-4626
    Katie.Pettet@du.edu

    • BA in Russian and Communication Studies, University of Iowa
    • MA in Slavic Languages and Literature, University of Wisconsin-Madison
    • M.Ed in International Education, George Washington University
    • Studied abroad in Russia and the Czech Republic
    • Experience working with F-1 and J-1 students as well as J-1 scholars and student interns
  • Tom King

    Senior Advisor
    303-871-4258
    Thomas.King@du.edu

    • BA in History, Texas A&M University
    • MA in Intercultural Studies, Golden Gate Seminary
    • Worked with international students in Paris for six years
    • Previous international office experience at the University of Texas Health Science Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
  • Maddie Risch

    International Community & Programming Coordinator
    303-871-4853
    Madelin.Risch@du.edu

    • BA in International Studies, Colorado State University
    • Studied abroad in Spain
    • Previous experience working with international students and scholars as an event assistant, language partner, and cultural adjustment reseracher
  • Samantha Gerber

    SEVIS Coordinator & Advisor
    303-871-7861
    Samantha.Gerber@du.edu 

    • Bachelor’s in International Political Economy and Diplomacy with a focus on Islam and the Middle East and a minor in Religion in Politics
    • Second Bachelor’s in Social Work with minors in Conflict Resolution and Psychology
    • Experience working with F-1 and J-1 students and scholars
    • Previous international experience in Jordan and Tanzania
  • Emily Richards

    International Student Advisor
    303-871-7781
    Emily.Richards@du.edu 

    • BA in Elementary Education and Literacy Development at Buffalo State College
    • MA in International Education with a concentration in International Development at The George Washington University
    • International Experience in Germany, Peru & Thailand. Studied abroad in Spain.
    • Previous experience working with J-1 students, sponsored medical residents/fellows & international humanitarian aid campaigns

 

Student Workers

  • Sandra Lin

    ISSS Graduate Assistant

    • From Guangdong, China
    • Pursuing an M.A. in International Human Rights from Korbel
    • Advocacy for international community
    • Loves parks, beaches, ultimate frisbee, spikeball, paddle boarding and naps
  • Murphy Li

    Programming Student Assistant

    • From Yunnan, China
    • B.A. Computer Science, minor in Emergent Digital Practice and Business Administration  
    • Previous marketing and project managing working experience for multiple international companies across the globe

 

Working With DU Partners

We seek to develop positive working relationships with other offices on campus to ensure that international students and scholars both have an exceptional experience during their stay at DU. If you have any questions about our international visitors on campus or suggestions about how we can better serve them, please contact our office at isss@du.edu.

Internationalization is Everywhere at DU

We are proud to be part of a much larger internationalization initiative at DU. If you're looking for more information on our initiative, or information about studying abroad outside the US, follow the links below.