[ A high-resolution photo of Sherif Barsoum may be downloaded here.]
Sherif Barsoum, assistant director in the Office of International Education at The Ohio State University, has joined Vanderbilt University as director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
ISSS works closely with the university’s schools and departments to assist non-immigrant students and scholars with advice, counseling and processing visas and other necessary documents. The office also provides personal counseling and advocacy regarding immigration and cross-cultural and personal issues.
Through various educational and social programs, ISSS staff encourages intercultural awareness and global education on campus, as well as facilitates the achievement of academic and professional goals of international students and scholars.
Barsoum has more than 13 years of experience in international education. Prior to his nine-year stint as assistant director for international students, he served as coordinator of international education and as an assistant hall director in the Office of Residence Life at Ohio State. While there, he developed and administered new study abroad programs in Egypt, Southern Africa, Morocco and Tunisia.
“I am looking forward to working at Vanderbilt and serving the international students and scholars, as well as, partnering with various offices on campus to provide superb multicultural and diverse programming for the entire Vanderbilt community,” Barsoum said.
International students accounted for 8 percent of Vanderbilt’s total student enrollment during the 2006-2007 academic year.
“We are fortunate to have attracted such a strong educator and administrator with a proven track record of creating diverse opportunities for students to grow academically, culturally and socially,” said Mark Bandas, Vanderbilt dean of students.
For more information about ISSS, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/isss/.
For more news about Vanderbilt, visit VUCast – Vanderbilt’s News Network at www.vanderbilt.edu/news.
Media contact: Princine Lewis, 615-322-NEWS
princine.l.lewis@vanderbilt.edu