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International Admissions and Student Services Office of Global Engagement

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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
Phone: (956) 882-7690
Email: samantha.lopez@utrgv.edu
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Samantha Lopez, Ed.D., PDSO, ARO

Born in Brownsville and raised in Mexico, Samantha brings more than 15 years of experience in international education to her position as Director of International Admissions and Student Services. Ms. 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 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. Ms. Lopez received both a bachelor's and master's of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. Ms. Lopez has presented at conferences and is the recipient of numerous scholarships. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Higher Education Teaching at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Director
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: samantha.lopez@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7690

Nora Cruz Dole, MS, DSO, ARO

Associate Director
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
3.137
Phone: 956-665-7480

Advisement

Jessica Alvarado, MS, DSO

International Student Advisor
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
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
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
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 company. 

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. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, video editing, reading, and much more. 

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

Office Student Assistants

Karina Diaz

Office Student Assistant
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: karina.diaz04@utrgv.edu
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Karina Diaz

Karina J Diaz was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. She attended Vanguard Academy in Pharr TX and graduated in 2019. She is currently attending the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Management. After her bachelor’s she plans on pursuing a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. She hopes to one day manage a clinic or hospital.

Karina is currently working as a student assistant for the International Admissions and Student Services department at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley at the Edinburg campus.

During her free time Karina enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: karina.diaz04@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Lucia Torres

Office Student Assistant
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: lucia.torres01@utrgv.edu
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Lucia Torres

Lucia Torres was raised in San Juan, Texas and graduated from Vanguard Academy Rembrandt High School in Pharr, TX, in 2019. Currently, she is attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a major in Business Management, a minor in Theatre. She hopes to pursue a minor in Spanish to obtain a certificate in Creative Writing. She is a member of Equal Arts Productions and is excited to pursue further her interests in these upcoming years. 

She likes to write, listen to music, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family during her free time. 

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: lucia.torres01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Allison Cabanzo

Office Student Assistant
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

Ohioze Obadan

Graduate Assistant
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: ohioze.obadan01@utrgv.edu
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Ohioze Obadan

Ohioze Obadan, a native of Sabonginda- Ora in Edo state, Nigeria was born in Benin- city, Nigeria where he spent most of his life. He attended the University of Benin in Nigeria where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics.

Presently, he pursues a master's degree in Public Affairs at UTRGV Edinburg campus in Texas.

During a brief conversation, Mr. Obadan disclosed that he applied to UTRGV because of the culture of the university having shared interests, values, customs, and policies in terms of its diversity, social equity, gender equality, race, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disability perspectives.

He quoted “As a public Affairs student I am blessed, having gained some field experience by serving the International student community through the IASS team where I function as a Graduate assistant.

He recognizes only but a few role models in his life who have thrown more light on his understanding of the UTRGV Equal Employment Opportunity EEO and Affirmative Action plan. In respect of Dr. Aziza Zemrani, Mrs Samantha Lopez, Mrs NoraCruz Dole, Mrs Xin Yu.

His hobbies are having to be a Servant and putting a smile on another’s face.

 

Graduate Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: ohioze.obadan01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Simi Chowdhury

Office Student Assistant
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: simi.chowdhury01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Simi Chowdhury

Simi Chowdhury born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She completed her high school at
Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka. Her bachelors were in Business Administration
concentrating in Human Resource Management from American International University - Bangladesh. Currently she is in UTRGV’s MBA program.


She has work experience in international trading industry for more than 5 years as a management
professional. She also volunteered in American Red Cross as Volunteer Intake Processing Centre
team member. This position supported their National Headquarters Volunteer Services
Recruitment and Intake team. Besides volunteering she worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant
in UTRGV- International Business and Entrepreneurship Department. She is also a Graduate
Sustainability Fellow and currently developing a sustainability focused research project.


Her inspiration behind choosing a management concentration and career was her father. She
learned her primary management skills by observing her father who was an entrepreneur. Simi is
ambitious and wants to be the best in her field.


Simi works as an International Admissions Student Assistant for the International Admission and
Student Services office at UTRGV Brownsville Campus.


During her free time, she enjoys listening to music, spending time with her family, watching
movies, gardening and sometimes cooking.


Simi strongly believe in this quote: “However difficult life may seem, there is always something
you can do and succeed at.”- Sir Stephen Hawking.

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: simi.chowdhury01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Katherine Castillo

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

Katherine Castillo

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

Marvely Neme

Office Student Assistant
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: marvely.neme01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Marvely Neme

Marvely Neme was born in the United States and has lived between the countries of Mexico and the U.S. her whole life. She began kindergarten in Mexico, moved to the U.S. and lived there from kindergarten to 4th grade, and moved to Mexico again and lived there from 5th grade to 10th grade. She began to practice Tae Kwon Do in Mexico and gained her black belt before she moved back to the U.S. again in 11th grade. She graduated from Los Fresnos High School and is currently a Freshman at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Graphic Design. She has loved to create ever since she was a child, which is why she decided to take this path.

Some of the goals in her life are moving to Austin to work after she graduates and to make her family proud. In addition, she also strives to get into the animation and storyboarding field.

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

During her free time she enjoys drawing, learning about different cultures, reading, and listening to all types of music.

“Always give your maximum effort under every circumstance” – G.M. Moon Daiwon

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: marvely.neme01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Patricia Celeste Martinez

Office Student Assistant
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

Ryan Vela

Office Student Assistant
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: ryan.vela02@utrgv.edu
Read More

Ryan Vela

My name is Ryan Vela, and I’m a freshman at UTRGV majoring in electrical engineering. I was born and raised in the valley and graduated from La Feria High School. My hobbies include working out, playing golf, listening to music, and spending time with my little brothers. 

Office Student Assistant
International Admissions and Student Services
Email: ryan.vela02@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
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