Andrew Van Lew, formerly an international student adviser in the International Students and Scholars Office in the Graduate School and International Education, will lead GSIE's recruiting efforts as the graduate and international recruitment coordinator, effective last month.

In his new role, Van Lew leads the strategic planning, implementation and follow-up of a comprehensive recruitment plan for prospective graduate and international students, with a focus on continuously improving the quality and diversity of applicants. Van Lew will work with various campus offices in recruitment initiatives, help establish international partnerships and coordinate recruitment support activities with university faculty, students and alumni.

"It's incredibly exciting to be the new graduate and international recruitment coordinator here at GSIE," Van Lew said. "This is the position I have wanted since I first began working at the University of Arkansas five years ago. I am also very happy to remain inside the GSIE family that I have been a part of throughout that time."

Van Lew is a five-year veteran of GSIE, having served as an international student adviser since 2017. In that role, he advised students with F-1 and J-1 visas on complex issues related to immigration, travel and documentation, as well as assisting with personal, cultural and social issues. He also designed educational training and led programming for international students. 

Prior to his time at the U of A, Van Lew served as director of recruitment and placement at Varsity Tutors in St. Louis, and also served as an academic director and English instructor for YBM. He served as the Arkansas State Liaison for the Association of International Educators and was awarded the 2019 Region III Rising Star Young Leader Award by the organization.

"Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role that will be well-utilized as he works to tell the story of the transformational opportunities available at the University of Arkansas for graduate and international students," said Patricia Gamboa, assistant dean in GSIE. "I look forward to seeing him continue to elevate our recruiting efforts."

Van Lew holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Davis and a master's degree in cross-cultural and international education from Bowling Green State University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education from the U of A.