Sara Parrott, formerly the assistant director of Welcome and Belonging in the Office of International Students and Scholars, was appointed as the office's new director, effective March 1, 2024.  

Parrott succeeds Michael Freeman, who retired from the university in February after 39 years of service to the institution. In her new role, Parrott is responsible for leading the office's efforts to support, engage and advocate for the university's international student and scholar populations. More specifically, Parrott and her staff strive to create an engaging campus life by facilitating international education seminars, intercultural training, cultural immersions and country-specific workshops.

"I'm honored to become the director of the International Students and Scholars Office," Parrott said. "Michael Freeman created such an engaging and supportive dynamic within the office. I hope to continue the incredible work already being done by my colleagues in ISS."

Parrott boasts more than a decade of experience in international education, leading diverse teams including immigration advising, risk management, policy development, international student services, international advocacy, and student and family programming.

She served in assistant director roles within international offices at Centenary College of Louisiana, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Davidson College. She also served as the coordinator of International Student Support Services at the University of Central Arkansas, the senior international student adviser at the University of Texas at Dallas and the coordinator of international student success at Maryville University of Saint Louis.

As director, Parrott plans to increase the sense of belonging among the international community at the U of A "and support the institution in pursuing research excellence by partnering with departments hosting international visiting scholars."  

"Coming from within the university, I already have such good relationships with partners throughout campus," she said. "We're all working together to support international students here in Fayetteville. I hope to continue to strengthen these collaborations for the best success of the institution and the international community."

"I am delighted to welcome Sara Parrott into her new role as the director of the Office of International Students and Scholars," said Lindsey Aloia, associate dean for international education. "Sara has an impressive background in international education. In addition, her enthusiasm and passion for international students and scholars is extraordinary. I look forward to working alongside Sara to support her strong, innovative vision for the office."  

Parrott holds a bachelor's degree in intercultural studies from Southwest Baptist University and a master's degree in second languages from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.