Namiko Bagirimvano has been named the director of Sponsored Student and Special Programs in the Graduate School and International Education. She begins her new role Jan. 17. The Sponsored Students and Special Programs office facilitates the admission, support and repatriation of sponsored students at the U of A. Currently, more than 200 sponsored students are enrolled as part of the nearly 1,200 international students attending the U of A.

Bagirimvano worked as assistant director for international retention programs in the Office of International Students and Scholars in 2021. She had also previously worked as a visiting student program coordinator from 2009-2015.

"We are grateful to have a person with Nami's skills and experience to step into this very important role for our sponsored students and programs," said Curt Rom, interim dean of the Graduate School and International Education. "Nami is a thoughtful and innovative leader who will serve students and the U of A very well."

Bagirimvano earned her bachelor's degree from Ehime University in Matsuyama Japan and obtained her Master of Arts degree in international education from the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont.