Audra Johnston, longtime associate director of international students and scholars, passed away after a brief and unexpected illness on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. She was 51.

Johnston was born on June 18, 1973, in Pueblo, Colorado, to parents Glenn and Annabelle Johnston. She earned her bachelor's degree in intercultural studies and a master's degree in leadership and ethics, both from John Brown University, before embarking on a 25-year career in the Office of International Students and Scholars at the U of A, where she helped thousands of international students and changed countless lives.

A celebration of life event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the Holcomb Hall Living Room. Attendees are asked to wear purple in her honor, as it was her favorite color.

Johnston served as a steady, guiding presence for international students at the U of A. She was the university's self-described "immigration geek" and was the co-creator of "In Their Shoes," an award-winning workshop allowing others to step into the life of an international student to give them the perspective needed to support and advocate for the international student community. Additionally, she launched the International in NWA podcast, which provided critical information to help international students and scholars thrive at the U of A. Her stellar service to our campus led to her winning the Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education in fall 2024 and being named one of the university's Employees of the Year in 2017.

Through her professional organization, NAFSA Association for International Educators, Johnston served in many roles at the state and national levels. She was state representative for Arkansas, and at the national level, she served as a member of the Trainer Corps and mentor for the NAFSA Academy.

Johnston especially loved living on the lake with her husband, Todd, and their cats. She loved road trips and was usually the driver, and she loved driving her Camaro with the music turned up. She loved singing and the color purple. Diet Dr. Pepper was her choice of drink, and a good hamburger, Chinese buffet and Todd's cooking were dinner favorites. In her free time, she loved to read. Johnston kept up with what was going on in the world, her field and topics that improved herself at work and as a human being.

Her colleagues remember her selflessness, friendship and integrity.

"She was an amazing person," said Ed Pohl, dean of the Graduate School and International Education. "She loved helping students and not just because it was her job — it reflected her selflessness, compassion and commitment to helping others, all rooted in her deep Christian values. To say she will be missed is a massive understatement."

"I admired her so much," said Sara Parrott, director of international students and scholars. "She had the beautiful ability to listen so closely to what a student or scholar was going through. She would walk with students through the most difficult circumstances, letting them know they were not alone."

"Audra was more than a co-worker for the last 25 years — she was a friend," said Cynthia Smith, assistant director of outreach programs. "She was smart, creative and would hold confidence. She wasn't one to shine the spotlight on herself, so we had to do that sometimes to let others know how what a star she was. She deeply cared for each scholar, student, spouse, staff and faculty member that she advised, helped them to the best of her ability and took personal pride in celebrating their achievements. I will miss her deeply."

"She was an amazing person of great love, integrity and compassion," said Michael Freeman, retired director of international students and scholars. "ISS is a much better place because she spent 25 years sharing her gifts and talent with us."