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.
Leadership
Director
David advises F-1 Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) international students.
David earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Area Studies with a minor in Japanese Language and his Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Workforce, Training and Development from the University of Oklahoma. David also studied abroad at Yamaguchi University in Yamaguchi, Japan.
David spent 4 years as an instructor at OU CESL before becoming a Designated School Official (DSO) at OU ISS.
Before returning to OU, David spent over 6 years working in the Northeast as an international student advisor for both F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.
Associate Director
Mukarram advises students with family names starting with T - 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 H. He also manages the exchange students and sponsored students programs.
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.
International Student Advisors and International Student Programs Coordinator
Nwannedinma Greb
International Student Advisor
F-1 Advisor for students with family names starting with I - M.
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 A - F.
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.
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.
F-1 Advisor for students with family names starting with N - S.
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
Front Office Coordinator
Claire attends the front office for international student services and helps direct visitors to the office with contacting their advisors or finding solutions to their problems. She is always ready to greet our students coming by the office with a smile.
Claire is an OU alum herself, and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University in 2017. During her time spent at OU, she studied abroad at Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) for a semester. She enjoys connecting with the international community and wants to help make others’ experiences here in the US an enjoyable time as well. She is a certified TESOL/TEFL teacher. Claire enjoys hiking and being outside in nature on her days off. She also enjoys trying different cuisines, watching fantasy TV shows or reading, and learning new languages.
Technical Staff
Database Analyst
Eli handles all Database Analyst work for OU ISS.
F-1 Advisor for the OU-Tulsa campus.
F-1 advisor for family names starting with G.
Eli graduated with his bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in 2016. Eli was a staff member at UAFS for four years before relocating to Norman and being employed by OU in 2021. Eli has a background in creative writing and music. Eli has strong computer skills, loves playing with his dog Rocky, and singing in his free time.
