Van Lew Selected as Coach for NAFSA Academy

Cassandra Thomas

Andrew Van Lew

Andrew Van Lew, graduate and international recruitment coordinator in the Graduate School and International Education, has been selected as a coach for the 2025 NAFSA Academy for International Education.

The academy is an intensive year-long training program with extensive networking opportunities that accelerates trainees' learning process and prepares them for leadership. As a coach, Van Lew will work with a cohort of four to six trainees from Region III of the organization — which includes schools from Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma — to develop their learning plans and guide them with tips on navigating the world of international education, including NAFSA.

Van Lew has served as the lead recruiter in GSIE since spring 2023. Prior to that, he worked for five years as an international student adviser in the university's Office of International Students and Scholars. He has been extensively involved with NAFSA during his time in international education at the U of A, including serving as the Arkansas state liaison for two years, where he assisted in planning state and regional conferences. He has also earned awards for his presentations at NAFSA conferences. He was also chosen as a participant in the NAFSA Academy in 2019.

"I had a tremendous time being in the academy; it helped me develop crucial connections that have enhanced my work and helped me get to where I am today in my career," Van Lew said. "I'm looking forward to working with international educators who are new to the field and helping them carve out successful career paths in our field.

"I'm also deeply appreciative to GSIE leadership for always supporting my professional development and participation in NAFSA," he added.

"Andrew Van Lew's selection as a coach for the 2025 NAFSA Academy is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of international education," said Patty Gamboa, assistant dean in GSIE. "His extensive experience and passion for fostering global citizenship make him an excellent mentor for the next generation of international educators. We are proud to have him represent our institution and support the professional growth of the cohort."

NAFSA Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. The organization serves the needs of more than 11,000 members and international educators worldwide at more than 4,300 institutions across more than 170 countries.

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.