The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Office of Global Engagement Division of Research, Graduate Studies & New Program Development
OGE Leadership
TBA
Associate Vice President, Office of Global Engagement
Phone: (956) 665-7886
SAMANTHA LOPEZ, MBA, DSO, ARODirector, International Admissions and Student Services
Email: samantha.lopez@utrgv.edu | Phone: (956) 882-7690
Born in Brownsville and raised in Mexico, Samantha brings more than 14 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. 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.
Ms. Lopez received both a Bachelor and Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Brownsville. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Higher Education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
ALAN BLAINE EARHART, MA, MS, RO