Our Team

Kate Stoetzner

Executive Director

Executive Director
[email protected]

  • Create and execute a strategic plan for the Padnos International Center that aligns with the university’s overall goals.
  • Provide leadership to enhance the PIC’s mission, reputation, and effectiveness.
  • Initiate and support programs that promote international education and cross-cultural understanding.
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with foreign universities, organizations, and governments.
  • Oversee the center’s budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
  • Develop and implement policies related to international programs and activities.

Liz Montoya

Liz Montoya

Assistant Director
[email protected]

  • Responsible for alumni engagement including the online network and international & domestic events
  • Serves on the Global Grand Rapids task force and supports all events and initiatives
  • Contributes to the development of programs for the Padnos International Center
  • Supports the Study Abroad and International Student Teams

 

Vicki Wenger

Office Coordinator

Padnos International Center Assistant
[email protected]

  • Office Manager
  • Assists Executive Director 
  • Manages budgets
  • Travel & expense forms
  • Notary Public
  • Workday

Study Abroad Team

Ehren Kuzekov

Ehren

Director of Study Abroad and International Partnerships
[email protected]

  • Monitor and respond to crisis and risk management related to education abroad
  • Manage GVSU’s institutional international partnerships and represent GVSU to international partners
  • Review study abroad applications
  • Set policies for study abroad and evaluate international activities
  • Manage study abroad credit transfer process
  • Provide overall management of daily study abroad operations
  • Advise faculty, staff and students on study abroad issues and concerns

Meaghann Smith

Study Abroad Advisor

Study Abroad Advisor
[email protected]

  • Advises GVSU study abroad students on financial, academic, cultural, health and safety issues
  • Counsels students with unique issues (disabilities, dependents, chronic health issues, identity concerns) to enable successful study abroad participation
  • Coordinates study abroad fairs
  • Supervises and trains peer adviser staff

Jamie Pleyte

Jamie Pleyte

Coordinator of Study Abroad and International Partnerships

[email protected]

  • Post GVSU Study Abroad Acceptance - Long Term Study Abroad Exchange and Provider Programs
  • Pre-Departure Orientations - Policies, Expectations, Cultural Adjustment, Insurance
  • Forms - Pre-Departure, Financial Aid Agreement, Study Abroad Budget, Visa Forms, external provider forms
  • Course Approvals - GVSU Course Codes, Issues, Gen Eds, Study Abroad Transcript Verification
  • Returned Student - Welcome Back Event, Work Abroad Event

Kirsten Bartels

Kirsten Bartels

Faculty-Led Program Coordinator

[email protected]

  • Assists with the development, assessment, and improvement of Faculty-Led Study-Abroad Programs
  • Conducts pre-departure trainings and informational sessions
  • Manages logistics to aid in the execution of successful programs
  • Assists with problem-solving around visa applications, budgets, and health insurance;
  • Renders assistance and aid as needed

Kristen Cloutier

Study Abroad Coordinator

International Programs Coordinator

 [email protected]

  • Manage marketing, promotion, website design, social media and events for Padnos International Center/Study Abroad Team.
  • Manage study abroad outreach
  • Manage Study Abroad Outreach Assistant
  • Advisor and coordinator for Internships and Independent Study experiences abroad.

Alissa Lane

Outreach Coordinator

International Programs Coordinator
[email protected]

  • Manages study abroad publications
  • Assists with study abroad outreach
  • Manages study abroad website
  • Oversees social media

Sydney Bunk

Outreach Coordinator

Graduate Assistant - Faculty-Led Study Abroad

Studies: Master's of Education in Higher Education, College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL)

Studied abroad in: Seoul, South Korea

Ashlyn Johnson

Ashlyn GA

Graduate Assistant - Long-Term Study Abroad

Studies: Masters in Occupational Therapy

Studied abroad in: Dublin, Ireland


International Student & Scholar Services Team

Elizabeth Jawish 

Libby Jawish

Director of International Student and Scholar Services
[email protected]

  • Advocate for iStudents at GVSU and in the Community
  • Primary Immigration Advisor to F-1 and J-1 Students
  • Lead ISS Team
  • Advance services for iStudents
  • Oversee Visiting Scholars and Visiting Staff 

Andres Ortiz-Estevez

Outreach Coordinator

Coordinator International Student Services

[email protected]

  • International student guidance and support.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
  • Advocacy across campus for resources and support for international students.
  • Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program.
  • Student engagement and events.
  • Advisor for the International Student Organization (Uniting Nations).

Kelly Tait

kelly tait

Coordinator International Student Services 

[email protected]

  • Supports and advocates for international students 
  • Helps international students adjust culturally, academically, and legally to GVSU and the U.S.
  • Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and conducts immigration advising
  • Connects international students with on- and off-campus resources and facilitates opportunities for iStudents 

Holl Nguyen-Mills

Holly Miller

Office Coordinator
[email protected]

  • Supports the International Student and Scholar Services Team with background work including booking rooms for events, ordering catering, and arranging meetings for the ISS team.
  • Arranges itinerary for GVSU’s International Visiting Scholars from our partner schools.
  • Serves as primary contact for our exchange partners who send students and faculty/staff to GVSU.
  • Serves as the Alternate Responsible Officer in SEVIS for J-1 students and scholars.

Kwaku Boamah

Kwaku GA

Graduate Assistant - International Student Services

Studies: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana


Student Workers

Get to know an essential part of our team and work - our amazing student workers! 

Peer Advisers

Front Desk Workers

Outreach Assistant

student workers


Page last modified October 6, 2025