Meet the Team

  • Theresa Johnson

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

    Hello! I joined the ISSS team in May 2022 and have enjoyed getting to know the students, faculty, and staff here at DU! I moved to Denver from Chicago where I worked with international students and scholars at Northwestern University for 11 years. Prior to that, I lived in Washington, DC where I worked with the Fulbright Scholar Program at the Institute of International Education and earned a Master's Degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor Degree from American University. I have been to all 50 states in the U.S. and all 7 continents – although there are still many places I'd like to visit!

    Contact me for:

    • Lawful Permanent Residency sponsorship
    • H-1B sponsorship for staff positions
    • New program development
    • Student or scholar emergencies
    • General ISSS questions
    • Interest in collaboration with ISSS
    • Request for ISSS staff at a meeting/event
  • 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
    • Joined DU ISSS in 2019, previous international office experience at American University in Washington, DC
  • 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
    • Studied abroad in France and Morocco
    • Previous international office experience at the University of Texas Health Science Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston

    Contact me for:

    • ISSS policy and compliance with F-1 and J-1 regulations
    • Advanced or complex F-1 student immigration cases
    • Initial I-20 issuance questions or concerns
    • ISSS Portal troubleshooting
  • Samantha Gerber

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

    Hi! I joined University of Denver at the end of August 2023 and continue to enjoy the scenic views while advocating for and helping the international student population. I moved from East Texas, but I was born and raised in New England. While I have family still in the Northeast of the US, I enjoy going abroad as a vacation when possible. I have two Bachelor's and three minors from two schools in Connecticut. I am currently working on two master's and graduate certificate (part time). For fun, I like to go to concerts, explore the RTD Colorado area, and spend time with my three cats.

    • 1+ years in Denver, Colorado
    • 2+ years working with F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, and visitors
    • 3+ years in graphic design experience
    • Experience interning, volunteering, researching, and visiting abroad in multiple regions

    Contact me for:

    • Full time/under enrollment concerns for F-1/J-1 students
    • Advocacy for international student population
    • Overall international student immigration questions and concerns
    • Initial I-20 issuance questions or concerns
    • Mailing/home address issues in myDU
  • Emily Richards

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

    Hello! I joined the University of Denver in September 2023 and have really enjoyed working with the wonderful staff, students, and scholars that make up our ISSS community. I moved to Denver from Washington, DC where I completed my master’s program at The George Washington University and then went on to begin career in international education at the Embassy of Kuwait. I am originally from Buffalo, New York. A few of my favorite things are- learning about world cultures, cooking, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, spending time outdoors, and traveling in the U.S and abroad.

    • BS in Childhood Education and concentration in Literacy at Buffalo State College
    • MA in International Education and concentration in International Development at George Washington University
    • International volunteering/research experience in Germany, Peru & Thailand. Studied abroad in Spain.
    • Previous international education office experience at the Embassy of Kuwait and George Washington University in DC

    Contact me for:

    • Advisement on general international student immigration questions or concerns
    • Contact for the Sponsored Student Program- support administrative processes for government sponsors and sponsored students
    • Initial I-20 issuance questions or concerns
    • Advocacy for international student populations on campus