Staff Directory
The University of Oklahoma International Student Services (OU ISS) staff has many years of experience working with international students, and actively seeks professional training and professional development opportunities through a variety of channels. Many of us have lived outside the US for extended periods of time, often as international students ourselves.
Director
Vacant
Director
Assistant Directors
Associate Director
Mukarram advises students with family names starting with R-Z and manages the J-1 student intern program.
Mukarram is originally from Gaza-Palestine. She holds a B.A. in English Literature and Education from Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Palestine. She also holds a Master’s degree in Human Relations, and a graduate certificate in Human Resources and Organizational Diversity and Development from the University of Oklahoma.
David Orsburn
Assistant Director
David advises students with family names starting with C-E. He also manages the exchange students and sponsored students programs.
David advises newly admitted students on the process to obtain an I-20 and apply for an F-1 visa. As the Exchange Student Coordinator, David assists new exchange students with the process to obtain a DS-2019 and apply for a J-1 visa as well as advising current Exchange Students. He advises students and the university community regarding student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
David earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from OU. He has worked in international education for a decade and has traveled abroad to many countries. He adores his cat, Mitch.
Youssef Kamel
Assistant Director of International Student Programming
Youssef coordinates NISO Connection for new international students and other engaging programs for international students throughout the year.
Youssef is a former international student from Egypt. He came to OU from Giza after making a two-year stop in Wales to attend UWC Atlantic College in 2014. Youssef graduated in 2020 with a B.A. in International Studies and Religious Studies and in 2022 earned his M.A. in International Studies with a focus on the SWANA (aka MENA) region.
Youssef loves learning about languages (stop by to say hi in Arabic or Spanish), religions, and history. He loves watching TV, reading novels and cooking, especially food from home. Youssef is concerned with ensuring that the international student community has a seat at the table, that its voice is heard in all its diversity, and that bridges are built across communities.
International Student Advisors and International Student Programs Coordinator
International Student Advisor
Ben advises newly admitted students on the process to obtain an I-20 and apply for an F-1 visa.
He advises students and the university community regarding student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
Nwannedinma Greb
International Student Advisor
F-1 Advisor for students with family names starting with M-Q
Nwannedinma advises students and the university community regarding student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
Nwannedinma is a former international student herself, originally from Nigeria. She earned a B.A. in Mass Communication from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria and as well as earning two Master’s degrees, Human Resources and Management, from East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma. She loves meeting people from different cultures and enjoys eating cuisines from different countries.
International Student Advisor
F-1 Advisor for students with family names starting with F-H
William advises students and the university community regarding student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
William earned a BBA in International Business and Marketing from the University of Oklahoma and a TEFL Certification from Oklahoma City Community College. He has lived on three continents and previously worked in Madrid, Spain under the Ministry of Education as a North American Language and Cultural Assistant. William is an experienced bilingual professional with a demonstrated history of working in organizational development, education, cross-cultural communication, and problem solving.
He loves learning about other cultures, languages, and history. His leisure activities include traveling, cooking, and watching sports, especially soccer/football matches.
Eli Rhoades
International Student Advisor
F-1 Advisor for newly admitted students on the Tulsa campus as well as students majoring in Aviation or the MBA program.
F-1 advisor for CESL students, Tulsa campus students, and F-1 students with family names starting with W-Z
Eli advises newly admitted students on the process to obtain an I-20 and apply for an F-1 visa. He advises students and the university community regarding student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
F-1 Advisor for students with family names starting with I-K
Thomas advises students and the university community regarding F-1 student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
Having lived and worked for fifteen years in Asia (Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and China) and having earned a master’s degree from 上海外国语大学 (Shanghai International Studies University) in Intercultural Communications, Thomas is highly experienced in resolving issues concerning international students. As someone who has traveled the world, he is passionate about cooking and experiencing worldly cuisine with friends and family. However happy to be living back in the US, Thomas is still very excited to work with the international community here in Norman, OK.
Administrative Staff
Technical Staff
