International Programs Creates New Director of International Student Engagement Position

June 22, 2021

In continued efforts to better serve and expand institutional support of LSU’s international student population, the Offices of Academic Affairs and International Programs have hired Laura Dean as the director of international student engagement. The primary goal in creating this position is to build a support system for our international students that will facilitate better retention and foster a sense of community on campus and in Baton Rouge. 

The director of international student engagement will serve both the undergraduate and graduate international student populations. They will be in charge of revamping, coordinating, and executing orientation as well as co-curricular and social programming both for and on behalf of international students. Working with campus partners to create culturally competent infrastructures for social, academic, and professional development of this student population will be a key function of this role. 

Additionally, the new director will serve as a student advocate for international students by providing them with tools, resources, and a safe space to commune by revitalizing the International Cultural Center. The ICC will be a hub for intercultural learning for not only the students it serves, but for the LSU and Baton Rouge community at large.