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International Student Services Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs

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

Paloma Quintero, DSO

International Student Advisor
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-3655
Email: paloma.quintero01@utrgv.edu
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Paloma Quintero, DSO

International Student Advisor on the Edinburg Campus. She has over 6 years of experience in the international affairs field including four years working at a foreign consulate and two years working at an FBO within local government.

Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from UTRGV in December of 2016. Master’s in Public Affairs from UTRGV in December 2022, as well.

Her professional interest is to help international students with the initial process and throughout their academic experience, and to learn more about their culture. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and cooking.

International Student Advisor
International Students Services
Email: paloma.quintero01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-3655

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

Office Student Assistants

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 Student Services
Email: alicia.pena02@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Dulce Ayala

Work Study - Accounting
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: dulce.ayala01@utrgv.edu
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Dulce Ayala

Dulce Ayala was born in Reynosa, Mexico. She graduated from Juan Diego Academy in Mission, Texas, in 2022. She is a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley freshman majoring in Accounting. Her main goals are to pursue a master's degree and earn a CPA license. She enjoys reading and listening to music, as well as playing volleyball. She joins International Admissions and Student Services as a Work-Study student concentrating in the Accounting area in 2023 Summer. 

Work Study - Accounting
International Student Services
Email: dulce.ayala01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Diego Corrales

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: diego.corrales01@utrgv.edu
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Diego Corrales

Diego Corrales was born in McAllen, Texas, and raised in Donna, Texas. After completing his high school education at Donna High School in Donna, Texas, he graduated from South Texas College with an Associate Degree in Visual Arts. He is currently a junior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley studying Visual Arts. What drew him to this major was the creativity and ideas he can share and express in his own way to others.

His life goals include becoming a visual artist for publishing or becoming a teacher of art, as well as traveling across the globe.  

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

He enjoys watching movies, reading, and taking care of his pets in his free time.

Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: diego.corrales01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Javier Saldivar

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: javier.saldivar01@utrgv.edu
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Javier Saldivar

Javier Saldivar born in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He attended high school in Kingsville, Texas. After graduating from Kingsville, he started studying at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is currently a freshman, and his major is Manufacturing Engineering.

He works at Edinburg Campus' International Admissions and Student Services as a Student Office Assistant.

Playing soccer, going to the gym, and cooking are some of his favorite activities.

Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: javier.saldivar01@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 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 Student Services
Email: nagelly.valdez01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Annette M. Obregon

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: annette.obregon01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Annette M. Obregon

Annette M. Obregon was born in Weslaco, Texas. She completed her prior college education in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Place where she also learned English. She’s currently a Junior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Environmental Science - her special concern and admiration of natural disasters are what made her choose this major.

Her main goal in life is to get to work on studies on volcanoes and earthquakes to better understand them and to improve the current safety guidelines. The big picture includes the San Andreas Fault, Yellowstone, Hawaii, and Japan.

During her free time, she enjoys reading and keeps herself educated and updated about current environmental events. She also enjoys exercising, long walks alone or with her dogs, painting, and listening to music.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” - Socrates.
Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: annette.obregon01@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

Paola Perez

Office Student Assistant
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922
Email: paola.perez03@utrgv.edu
Read More

Paola Perez

Paola Perez was born in McAllen, Texas. She graduated from James Nikki Rowe High School in 2019. She is currently taking a major in Business Management at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Her main goals are to go into banking, own businesses, and travel around the world. She likes to be with family and hang out with friends during her free time. 

She is currently a Student Assistant for the International Admissions & Student Services helping with Study Abroad work at UTRGV Edinburg campus.
Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: paola.perez03@utrgv.edu
ESTAC 3.128
Phone: (956) 665-2922

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, graduated from Jubilee Brownsville.

She is a Junior at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Health and minoring in Spanish for Healthcare and Medical Humanities. She is concurrently enrolled at Texas Southmost College, as well,  under the PCT Program, wishing to graduate with the different certifications and licenses: EKG, Phlebotomist, Certificated Nursing Assistant, and Patient Care Technician. Some of her goals are to become a Nurse Anesthetist and to travel around the world. 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 Student Services
Email: patricia.martinez08@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Mia Cantu

Office Student Assistant
BMAIN 1,308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: adriana.cantu13@utrgv.edu
Read More

Mia Cantu

Mia Cantu was born in Mcallen, Texas but raised in Matamoros, Tamps. Mia Graduated from high school at Hanna's High school in Brownsville, Texas, and is now a Freshman student at The University of Texas of Rio Grande Valley, as a Criminal Justice Major and with a minor of Physiology. Mia's main goal is to achieve her degree in Fall 2026.  During her free time, she enjoys listening to music, shopping, and travel.

Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: adriana.cantu13@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1,308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Nadyeli Areli Tejada Aragon

Office Student Assistant
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: nadyeli.tejadaaragon01@utrg...
Read More

Nadyeli Areli Tejada Aragon

Nadyeli Tejada was born in Boston, Massachusetts but moved to San Benito, Texas when she was four. She graduated from San Benito High School and is now a Freshman Management Major at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 

She is very proud of her Salvadorean heritage and enjoys interacting with people from around the world. Her parent's hard work has inspired her to do her best and to be ambitious for her future. 

Nadyeli enjoys traveling, listening to music, and doing outdoor activities such as hiking. Being in any type of natural environment gives her peace. She likes to go on car rides with her friends while listening to music and laughing with them.

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

Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: nadyeli.tejadaaragon01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Sol Santana

Office Student Assistant
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
Email: sol.santana01@utrgv.edu
Read More

Sol Santana

Sol Santana was born and raised in San Benito, Texas. With a major in Studio Art and a minor in Education, Sol hopes to one day become an art teacher to share their love for art. 

 

Sol loves to create art both digitally and traditionally. Printmaking is one of Sol's favorite ways of producing art. Sol works as a Student Office Assistant for the International Admissions and Student Services office at the UTRGV Brownsville campus.

 

"To create one's own world takes courage" – Georgia O'Keeffe.

Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: sol.santana01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092

Julian Arteaga

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

Julian Arteaga

Julian Arteaga was born and raised here in the Rio Grande Valley. His major is Civil Engineering, and he is currently a Senior. After graduation, he wants to work in an engineering firm and later obtain his master's degree. Julian likes to go fishing and play soccer.

Office Student Assistant
International Student Services
Email: julian.arteaga01@utrgv.edu
BMAIN 1.308
Phone: (956) 882-7092
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