Rebecca Carpenter de Cortina, an experienced international education professional, is leading the Graduate School and International Education's efforts to recruit and facilitate the success of sponsored international students as the new director of sponsored students and special programs, effective July 8.

In her role, Carpenter de Cortina leads the office's efforts to admit, support and graduate sponsored students at the U of A. In addition, Carpenter de Cortina leads the recruiting efforts regarding sponsored students and scholars by working with sponsoring agencies, institutions, ministries and countries. Carpenter de Cortina also works with campus units to matriculate sponsored students into degree programs and support the unique needs of sponsored students through graduation.

Carpenter de Cortina boasts nearly two decades of experience working in international education around the world, including roles as program assistant of international student and scholar services at the University of Wisconsin, senior program officer working with the U. S. Department of States' Foreign Fulbright Program and assistant director of academic and experiential learning at the Institute of International Education.

Carpenter de Cortina is also a doctoral candidate at the U of A in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction focusing on language and literacy in multilingual education. Her research addresses multi/bilingual education, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, and parent and family engagement in the classroom and community.

"I am honored to serve as the director of sponsored students and special programs," she said. "As director, it is my aspiration to not only continue to strengthen and grow the university's relationships with sponsors but also support our commitment to welcoming and engaging international sponsored students, scholars, visiting researchers and faculty from around the world. Cultivating meaningful educational and research opportunities that highlight innovative ideas and perspectives is vital to our campus community and beyond.

"In addition, I also look forward working thoughtfully with our departments across campus to help strengthen and foster communication and collaboration so together we can foster opportunities for international programming in new and creative ways," she added.

"I am thrilled to welcome Rebecca Carpenter de Cortina as the new director of sponsored students and special programs at the University of Arkansas. Her extensive experience in international education and her dedication to student success is invaluable as we continue to enhance our programs and support for sponsored students and scholars."

Carpenter de Cortina holds Bachelor's degrees in international business administration, marketing and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire; a Master's degree in international educational development from Teachers College Columbia University; and a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Academia Languages Basel in Switzerland.