About Global Engagement
The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is responsible for the development, promotion, and support for all global engagement activities on campus.
Global Engagement at
The University of Mississippi
OGE's goal is the comprehensive internationalization of the university, and the development of our students, faculty, and staff as global citizens. OGE fosters the growth of multidisciplinary and collaborative partnerships both within the university community and around the world, in support of our institutional position as the flagship university of the State of Mississippi, and as a renowned global public research university.
Welcome from Our Senior International Officer
Global engagement at the University of Mississippi is about more than crossing borders. It is about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities in ways that prepare our students for the world and strengthen the university’s reach and impact.
The Office of Global Engagement brings together the people and programs that support international students and scholars, study abroad, international recruitment and admissions, global partnerships, English language learning, and international initiatives across the university.
Whether you are coming to Ole Miss from another country, taking your Ole Miss experience into the world, or looking to build a global connection from right here in Mississippi, our goal is to help make that possible.
We are glad you are here.
Blair Thomson
Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad
What We Do
Bring the World to Mississippi · Take Mississippi to the World · Build Global Connections
Not sure where to begin? The Office of Global Engagement brings together several specialized teams. Find the area that best matches what you need or contact OGE and we will connect you with the right person.
If you need help with… | Start here |
International agreements, institutional partnerships, global strategy, university-wide initiatives, or you simply do not know where to start | |
Applying to Ole Miss as an international student, international recruitment, admissions, or scholarships | |
F-1 or J-1 status, I-20s, DS-2019s, employment authorization, immigration advising | |
International student life, belonging, cultural adjustment, campus/community connections and student success, internationalization at home | |
Studying abroad, exchange, faculty-led programs, or advising students about international study | |
Intensive English study, custom English language program, or English-language preparation | |
| Enrollment at the North Mississippi Japanese Supplementary School, Japan-related programming, and community engagement |
OGE Leadership
Blair Thomson
- Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad
Whitney Sarver
- Senior Director of the Intensive English Program and Instructional Associate Professor
Olivia George
- Associate Director
Bill Elliott
- Manager of International Admissions
Brad Noel
- Associate Director of Study Abroad
Shino Sullivan
- Associate Director of Us-Japan Partnership Program
Office of Global Engagement
We are responsible for the development, promotion, and support of all global engagement activities on campus. Our goal is the comprehensive internationalization of the university, and the development of our students, faculty, and staff as global citizens.
- 318 Martindale-Cole
- 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 662-915-1508
- global@olemiss.edu
Immigration Services for Students and Scholars
We assist international scholars, faculty, staff, and enrolled students with immigration advisory services.
- 331 Martindale-Cole
- Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 662-915-7404
- isss@olemiss.edu
Intensive English Program
The IEP offers academic English courses from basic to advanced levels with a curriculum designed to prepare you to interact in the English-speaking academic, social, and professional world.
International Engagement & Success Office
The International Engagement and Success Office's (IESO) primary functions include: serve as an advocate for the University’s international community and assisting international students, faculty, staff, and scholars.
- 331 Martindale-Cole
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
- 662-915-7404
- ieso@olemiss.edu
U.S.-Japan Partnership Program
The US-Japan Partnership for Global Education aims to promote awareness and understanding of Japan in Oxford, MS.
Meet Our Team
Shuang Cheng
- International Advisor II
Oana Chirila Najjar
- Assistant Director of International Programs
Marco Devera
- Instructor in Intensive English
Bill Elliott
- Manager of International Admissions
Tracy Koslowski
- Lecturer, Associate Director of Recruitment and Development- Intensive English Program
Marisa Morrissette
- Marketing Specialist
Conner Newton
- International Student Advisor
Brad Noel
- Associate Director of Study Abroad
Velsie Pate
- Instructor in Intensive English
Justine Perrier
- Study Abroad Advisor
Blair Thomson
- Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad
Whitney Sarver
- Senior Director of the Intensive English Program and Instructional Associate Professor
Shino Sullivan
- Associate Director of Us-Japan Partnership Program
Elizabeth Tolbert
- Administrative Coordinator I
Sophia Trombley
- International Education and Visa Counselor
Zoe Zigler
- Study Abroad Advisor