The newly-established Graduate School and International Education Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting at the end of the spring semester, bringing together a diverse group of individuals across academia, government and the private sector to strengthen GSIE's service to its community.

The board, composed of notable alumni, successful industry and research professionals, as well as government and educational leaders, will advise GSIE Dean Ed Pohl on a range of topics related to graduate and international education, in addition to providing connections between the campus community and external partners.   

"It was a pleasure convening our first meeting of the GSIE Advisory Board," Pohl said. "The insights and support provided by this board will be instrumental in ensuring GSIE continues to meet the evolving needs of our students and advance our mission across graduate and international education. This collaboration strengthens our connection to the broader academic, industry and global communities."

"I want to thank Mathilda Hatfield for her efforts in organizing this board and meeting," Pohl added. "This effort would not have come together without her leadership and commitment to building meaningful partnerships across our campus and beyond."

 During the meeting, Pohl presented an overview of GSIE and its priorities for the coming school year, as well as presentations on GSIE's progress toward the university's institutional pillars of Advancing Student Success and Research Excellence. The board also heard from two students — Alyssa Carson, a doctoral student in the Space and Planetary Sciences interdisciplinary program, and Eva Stephani Caroline, an international doctoral student in public policy — who discussed their experiences in graduate school at the U of A. The board ended the day with a tour of the Kristen Collier Wright Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange.

"I'm honored to serve on Dean Pohl's new GSIE advisory board and support the mission of the U of A's Graduate School and International Education," said Adam Arroyos, who is serving as the inaugural board president. "The University of Arkansas is a special place for me and my family. It is a community of teachers, advocates, champions and advisers committed to the success of every student, and this community has made a profound difference in my life and in the lives of many others. I want to pay it forward by helping GSIE and the university in any way I can."

Members of the board are:

• Adam Arroyos, a 2010 graduate of the public policy doctoral program
• Katherine Auld, a 2014 graduate of the space and planetary sciences doctoral program
• Mohamed Boudhoum, a 2014 graduate of the Master of Science in Operations Management program
• Charisse Childers, a 2008 graduate of the public policy doctoral program
• Aaron Shew, a 2018 graduate of the environmental dynamics doctoral program

The board plans to meet on a quarterly basis, alternating between virtual and in-person meetings.