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International Admissions and Student Services Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs

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International Admissions and Student Services
Brownsville Campus: BMAIN Bldg. 1.308
Edinburg Campus ESTAC Bldg. 3.128
Email: international@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 882-7092 or (956) 665-2922
Fax: (956) 665-2281
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IASS Team

Leadership

Samantha Lopez, Ed.D., PDSO, ARO

Director
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-7479
Email: samantha.lopez@utrgv.edu
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Samantha Lopez, Ed.D., PDSO, ARO

Born in Brownsville and raised in Mexico, Dr. Samantha López brings more than 18 years of experience in international education to her position as Director of International Admissions and Student Services. Dr. Lopez previously served as Manager of International Student & Scholar Services with the Office of Global Engagement at The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. Samantha is well-versed in federal and state regulations related to immigration, employment, and educational opportunities for students and scholars.

Among her many accomplishments, Samantha has been an active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators (the leading professional organization in the field of international education) for more than 9 years. Samantha is a recipient of the “Outstanding Service Award to International Education” for her work in demonstrating the outstanding performance of a sustained and serious nature of national impact based on her success in winning a Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeal (BALCA) case with the U.S. Department of Labor in 2011.

Her professional interests include international education, immigration regulations, and research about student services at higher education institutions. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons Carlos and Alejandro, reading, serving the community, and exercising. Dr. Lopez received both a bachelor's and Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. Furthermore, Dr. Lopez has presented at conferences and is the recipient of numerous scholarships. Samantha received a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Higher Education Teaching at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2021 with her dissertation topic: Academic and Cultural Perspectives of International Students at a Hispanic Serving Institution.

 

Director
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: samantha.lopez@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-7479

Nora Cruz Dole, MS, DSO, ARO

Associate Director
ESTAC3.137
Phone: 956-665-7480
Email: nora.cruzdole@utrgv.edu
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Nora Cruz Dole, MS, DSO, ARO

Associate Director
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: nora.cruzdole@utrgv.edu
ESTAC3.137
Phone: 956-665-7480

Advisement

Jessica Alvarado, MS, DSO

International Student Advisor
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: 956-665-2922
Email: jessica.alvarado01@utrgv.edu
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Jessica Alvarado, MS, DSO

Jessica Alvarado is an International Student Advisor on the Edinburg Campus. She has over 3 years of experience with the office of strategic enrollment with both The University of Texas- Pan American and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Jessica received her Bachelors of Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Addiction Studies from UTRGV in December of 2015. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Library Studies from Texas Woman’s University.

Her professional interest is to help grow the mission of the University by serving the students who are planning to, or currently attend. UTRGV. Her hobbies are reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

International Student Advisor
International Admissions and Students Services
Email: jessica.alvarado01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: 956-665-2922

Blanca Nellie Leyva, DSO

International Student Advisor
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7983
Email: blanca.leyva01@utrgv.edu
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Blanca Nellie Leyva, DSO

Blanca Nellie Leyva, mainly known as Nellie, is an International Student Advisor in the Brownsville campus. She has over ten years of progressive experience in the undergraduate college admission and enrollment process through employment with UTB/TSC, and now The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Nellie received her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Educational Technology in May 2016. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood at UTRGV.

Her hobbies include spending time with her family, such as baking Pinterest recipes with her 8 year old daughter and going on dates with her husband. She is known for traveling every other weekend to Monterrey, Mexico or to Houston, Texas to visit her extended family. She also has a passion for motivational books and quotes and has a huge collection to inspire any occasion.

International Student Advisor
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: blanca.leyva01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7983

International Admissions

Jessica Cantu, DSO

International Admissions Specialist
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-8298
Email: jessica.cantu@utrgv.edu
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Jessica Cantu, DSO

Ms. Jessica Cantu was born and raised in Rio Grande Valley. She started working at the counseling and career services office and then moved to the admissions office at The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. Jessica joined the Office of Global Engagement in 2010 as an International Admissions Specialist. Ms. Cantu has worked tirelessly on behalf of prospective international students for many years. Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and professionalism to this position, having personally assisted students from over 67 countries as they pursue higher education.

She likes to interact with international students and learn more about their customs and cultures. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and movies.

International Admissions Specialist
International Admissions and Students Services
Email: jessica.cantu@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-8298

Xin (Cynthia) Yu, MBA, DSO

Administrative Coordinator
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-3234
Email: xin.yu@utrgv.edu
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Xin (Cynthia) Yu, MBA, DSO

Ms. Cynthia Yu was born and raised in Shanghai, China. Cynthia graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City with a Master's degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance and Marketing. She currently serves as the Administrative Coordinator for IASS. Ms. Yu was in charge of the International Student Recruiter for UTRGV in the Fall of 2017 and 2018. Previously, she offered a marketing course at Truman State University. She was dedicated to the marketing field when she worked in L'Oreal China and McCann Erickson Advertising Agency. 

Cynthia likes to interact with international students to get a broader experience of life by learning alongside students from every corner of the globe. Meeting students with different values and beliefs will help her widen her cultural awareness and gain new perspectives. She enjoys cooking, video editing, reading, and much more during her free time.

Administrative Coordinator
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: xin.yu@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-3234

Office Student Assistants

Allison Cabanzo

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: allison.cabanzo01@utrgv.edu
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Allison Cabanzo

Allison Cabanzo was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She attended Presbyterian Pan American School from 2016 and graduated in 2019. She is currently studying international business at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She expects to graduate in 2023. Her goal is to be a businesswoman traveling around the world.

Allison is currently working as a Student Assistant at the International Admission and Student Services department, Edinburg Campus.

During her free time Allison likes cooking and hanging out with friends and family. She also enjoys dancing and playing sports, such as Volleyball and Basketball.

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: allison.cabanzo01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Grecia Rodriguez

Accounting Intern
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: grecia.rodriguez02@utrgv.edu
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Grecia Rodriguez

Grecia Rodriguez was born in McAllen, Texas. She graduated from James Nikki Rowe High School in 2019. She is currently taking a major in Accounting and a minor in Information Systems at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 

Her main goals are to obtain her master’s degree in auditing, earn her CPA license, and travel worldwide. She likes to hang out with her friends, read books, watch series, and listen to music during her free time. 

She is currently a Student Assistant for the International Admissions and Student Services department at the UTRGV Edinburg campus. 

Accounting Intern
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: grecia.rodriguez02@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Alicia Pena

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: alicia.pena02@utrgv.edu
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Alicia Pena

Alice Pena was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas. She attended Edinburg North High School in 2016 and graduated in 2020. She is currently studying mathematics with a concentration in pure math at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She expects to graduate in 2025.  She aims to be a math teacher helping students learn how to do the math. 

Alice works as an Office Student Assistant at the International Assistant and Student Services department Edinburg Campus. 

Alice enjoys hanging out with friends and frequents a comic book store during her free time. She also enjoys going on bike rides at the park or campus. 

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: alicia.pena02@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Nagelly Valdez

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: nagelly.valdez01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Nagelly Valdez

Nagelly Valdez was born in Glencoe, Minnesota but raised in Mexico. She graduated from High School at James Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen, Texas, and is now a junior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as a Psychology major. She expects to graduate during the Spring of 2024. Her main academic goal is to continue her studies and get a master's degree in Clinical Psychology, in order to get her therapist license certification.

Nagelly likes meeting new people and learning about different customs, morals, and values, as well as debating different points of view over different matters of interest. During her free time, she enjoys reading a good book, having coffee or tea downtime, re-watching her favorite movies, and listening to music."

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: nagelly.valdez01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Srikanth Akiti

Graduate Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: srikanth.akiti01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Srikanth Akiti

Srikanth Akiti was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. He completed his undergraduate at Jawaharlal Technological University in Hyderabad, India. He is currently pursuing his master's at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in computer science. One of the main reasons to take computer science as his major is because he is passionate about computers especially in Artificial Intelligence.

One of the goals in his life is to become a software engineer and invent new apps.

Srikanth Akiti started working as a Graduate Assistant for the International Admissions and Student Services office at the UTRGV Edinburg campus.

During his free time, he enjoys playing sports, learning new technologies, and reading books.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt

 

Graduate Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: srikanth.akiti01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Julissa Arteaga

Advisement Student Assistant
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: julissa.arteaga01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Julissa Arteaga

Julissa Arteaga was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. She graduated from Gladys Porter Early College High School. She is now a Senior Social Work major at The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. She gravitated toward Social Work because it is primarily rooted in contributing to the well-being of individuals and assisting them in reaching their full capabilities.

Her main goals in life are to make her parents proud, get enough experience in her career in different agencies, and work towards her Master’s in Social Work.

Julissa works as the Student Office Assistant for the International Admission and Student Services office at the UTRGV Brownsville campus.

She enjoys painting and watching her favorite show, “The Office.”

Advisement Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: julissa.arteaga01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Katherine Castillo

Office Student Assistant
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: katherine.castillo01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Katherine Castillo

Katherine Castillo was born and raised in Shakopee, Minnesota. She completed her high school career at Gladys Porter Early College High School in Brownsville, Texas. She is currently a Senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Civil Engineering and minoring in Astronomy. One of the things that drew her attention to such careers was the design and wonders of it.

Some of the goals in her life include creating a fantastic telescope and working in civil engineering abroad. In addition, she also aspires to be one of the best in her field.

Katherine works as an Office Student Assistant for the International Admissions and Student Services office at the UTRGV Brownsville campus.

She enjoys being with her family, reading, taking care of her dogs, and collecting rocks during her free time.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela.

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: katherine.castillo01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Patricia Celeste Martinez

Office Student Assistant
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: patricia.martinez08@utrgv.edu
Read More

Patricia Celeste Martinez

Patricia Celeste Martinez prefers to be called Celeste; her first language is Spanish. She studied a large part of her life in Mexico until she moved to Rivera High School in 9th grade, and then in 12th grade, she changed and graduated from Jubilee Brownsville.

She is currently a Freshman at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Integrated Health Science (Nursing).

Some of her goals are to travel around the world and learn about their traditions and cultures.

During her free time, Celeste likes to read poetry books. She also likes to paint on canvas and listen to music.

Celeste works as a Student Office Assistant for the International Admissions and Student Services office at the UTRGV Brownsville campus.

She deeply believes that "The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work." - Tiana

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: patricia.martinez08@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Ezequiel Vazquez

Office Student Assistant
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: ezequiel.vazquez01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Ezequiel Vazquez

Ezequiel Vazquez was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. He attended Lopez Early College High School in 2018 and graduated in 2022. He is currently studying Cybersecurity at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

He expects to graduate in 2026. His goal is to work for SpaceX or big companies as a Cybersecurity Analyst.

Ezequiel will be currently working as a Student Assistant at the International Admissions and Student Services Department, Brownsville Campus

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: ezequiel.vazquez01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
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