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About Us

Mission Statement

International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) is committed to service for all members of the international community who participate or will participate in international experiences at WVU. We strive to strengthen, enrich and advocate for international education and cultural exchange by anticipating and responding to specific needs and concerns of this international community.

About Us 

West Virginia University's International Students and Scholars Services, located in Purinton House on the downtown campus, is within the Office of Global Affairs and is a link to students and research scholars from over 100 countries around the world. With the diversity in these students’ and scholars’ cultural backgrounds and values, they have one thing in common: the challenge and adventure of living in a new culture. Leaving family and lifetime friends, as well as coping with a new language, social and physical environment, and daily customs, can add to the pressure of study or work. International students' adjustment to life in the US can be greatly eased by meeting people who would like to share friendships and exchange ideas and information about the world.

International Students and Scholars Services staff members help these students with their initial adjustment to the University and Morgantown, assist them throughout their entire stay by providing social, cultural and educational programs, and by answering questions and giving advice about personal concerns, cultural differences, immigration regulations, and financial matters. ISSS works closely with faculty, staff, campus organizations and community groups to ensure that international students, scholars, and their families have the greatest opportunity to achieve their academic and personal goals. ISSS serves as the focal point on campus that addresses the special needs, questions and concerns of those who come to West Virginia University from abroad.


International Student Services Team


Diana Abraham

International Student Advisor | ARO & DSO
101 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-students@mail.wvu.edu

Elijah Dempsey

International Student Advisor | ARO & DSO
101 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-students@mail.wvu.edu

Deanna 'Dee' Epps

International Student Advisor  | ARO & DSO
101 Purinton House  
304-293-3519 
isss-students@mail.wvu.edu

Andrew Patrick

Associate Director, Students Services | International Student Advocate | ARO & DSO
103 Purinton House  
304-293-3519 
isss-students@mail.wvu.edu


International Scholars Services Team


Ashley Berryhill 

Immigration Specialist | ARO 
103 Purinton House  
304-293-3519 
isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu



Carrie Caviani 

Associate Director, Scholars Services | ARO
103 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu

Laura Lee Partington

Immigration Coordinator | ARO
103 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu

Jonathan Suite

Immigration Coordinator | ARO
103 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu

Rebecca Yanego

Immigration Coordinator | ARO
103 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu


International Students & Scholars Compliance Team



Kristopher Bennett 

Director of Compliance | PDSO & RO 
208 Purinton House 
304-293-3519 
isss-compliance@mail.wvu.edu

Andrea Karnoupakis

Assistant Compliance Officer | ARO & DSO
101 Purinton House 
304-293-3519
isss-compliance@mail.wvu.edu


Sponsored Students Services Team



Henry Oliver

Director, Global Advancement

sponsoredstudents@mail.wvu.edu



Andrew Patrick

Associate Director, Students Services | International Student Advocate | ARO & DSO

sponsoredstudents@mail.wvu.edu