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
Elsa Higuchi
Assistant Director of Advising
F-1 advisor for international students with family names starting with A-D
As Assistant Director of Advising, Elsa oversees the advising staff to maintain consistent advising to international students.
Elsa is originally from Texas and currently resides in Oklahoma City. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in International Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. She has traveled abroad to Iceland, Russia, Japan, South Korea and Mexico. In her spare time, she enjoys working on her art projects.
Mukarram Lillard
Assistant Director of Operation and Outreach
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.
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
F-1 Advisor for students with family names starting with E-L
Brenda advises students and the university community regarding student immigration regulations including travel, employment, and maintenance of status.
Brenda holds a BBA in Finance from OU.
David Orsburn
International Student Advisor and Exchange Student Coordinator
F-1 Advisor for newly admitted students on the Norman campus
J-1 Advisor for Exchange Students
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.
Nwannedinma Elizabeth 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.
Karen Molina Castro
International Student Programs Coordinator
Karen coordinates engaging programs for international students throughout the year as well as serving as the International Advisory Committee staff advisor.
She is a former international student from El Salvador, studied at UWC in India, then came to OU in 2019 and earned a B.A. in Communication. Her leisure activities include watching movies, dramas, music, and literature. She holds a strong dedication to ensuring the international community has their own space and representation at the university.
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.
Administrative Staff
Front Office Coordinator
Ben helps international students with basic information in maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status. He supports the International Student Services staff in daily office operations.
Technical Staff
