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International Student and Scholar Services
University of Mississippi

About us

 

Jean Robinson — DirectorJean at desk

  • Jean hails from New Orleans, Louisiana. She joined the office in 1991 (first as a student worker) and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
  • Jean serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) and has been a trainer in the field of international student, faculty and staff advising at the regional and national levels with the Association of International Educators’ Trainer Corps (NAFSA), the International Student and Scholar Services representative for NAFSA Region VII, a board member of StudyMississippi, and the International Student Services Representative for the Mississippi Association of International Educators (MAIE)
  • For fun? Jean relishes her time with family, tending her organic garden, knitting, baking and making vegetarian food.
  • On the “bucket list”? Learn how to play the guitar.

Oana Najjar – Assistant Director

  • Oana Najjar - International Faculty and Scholar AdvisorOana (pronounced Wa-nah) is originally from Iasi, Romania. She lived in Belgium for an extended period of time before moving, in 2004, to the US. She has earned degrees in 3 different educational systems: Eastern European (Romania), Western European (Belgium) and US. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, she has traveled across multiple destinations in Europe and Middle East.
  • She joined the office of International Student and Scholar Services in July 2021, after 9+ years spent at another entity at the University of Mississippi.
  • She assists scholars, UM staff and faculty members with federal regulatory compliance and advisory services related to employment and relocation to the USA. She serves as Designated School Official (DSO) with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as liaison with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with U.S. Department of State. She is an advocate for the university international community and assists with educational and social programs in order to facilitate appropriate cultural adjustments for the UM international groups.
  • For fun? Traveling with her family, gardening, biking and spending time outdoors.
  • Bucket list: Be among the audience for the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert.

Christy Bray Jones — Administrative Coordinator I

  • Christy is a native of Oxford, Mississippi. She joined the Office of International Student and Scholar Services in 2015, bringing five years of Admissions experience.
  • Christy graduated in 1998 from The University of Mississippi earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and History.
  • For fun? Christy loves spending time with her family and friends, travel, cooking/baking and photography.
  • On the “bucket list”? Christy would like hike and spend one night on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail with her son.

Shuang Cheng – International Scholar Advisor

  • Shuang ([’ʃuaŋ]) is originally from Zhejiang, China. She received her degrees from China (BA, MA) and the US (MA, PhD) in linguistics and applied linguistics. She also has working/teaching experiences in China, Thailand, and the US. She joined the ISSS in July 2023.
  • She works as an international scholar and faculty advisor, providing assistance to scholars and faculties with federal regulatory compliance and advisory services pertaining to their employment and relocation to the USA.
  • For fun? Learning and studying languages; exploring beautiful places and savoring tasty food in the US, China, and Europe; spending quality time with families and friends.
  • On the “bucket list”? Go to/see the following places: Çatalhöyük, Machu Picchu, Serengeti National Park, Aurora in Iceland, Travel along the Silk Road, Antarctica.

Bill-Elliott – International Student Advisor

  • Bill Elliott is an International Student Advisor working in ISSS. He received his M.S. Ed from Eastern Illinois University in 2005. His career has spanned over 20 years of international education and leadership, with an emphasis in International Admissions.
  • Bill has served as Assistant Dean of the Graduate School at Eastern Illinois University, as well as Director of International Programs at Missouri University of Science and Technology.
  • He has served in several roles at NAFSA: Association of  International Educators as NAFSA Academy Coach, International  Enrollment Management Knowledge Community Chairperson, and authored a chapter in graduate student enrollment for the 2018 NAFSA Guide to International Student Enrollment Management.

Sarah Hall – International Student Advisor

  • Sarah is from Madison, Mississippi, and an Ole Miss alum. She majored in Chinese through the University’s Chinese Language Flagship Program; she minored in Korean and Global Security Studies. During her undergraduate studies, Sarah had the opportunity to study abroad in Taipei twice – first for a two-month summer program, and then again as part of Flagship’s year-long Capstone program.
  • Sarah works as an International Student Advisor. Her previous work experience includes being a student worker for the University’s Intensive English Program, as well as interning at the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education in Taiwan (FICHET).
  • Her hobbies include reading, creative writing, painting, and traveling. Sarah also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
  • On her bucket list? Learn Thai and Cantonese. She also has a (very long) list of countries she hopes to one day travel to.