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