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Region IV 2022 Regional Conference Photo

NAFSA Region IV is one of NAFSA's 11 geographic regions. Each region is governed by an elected chair and a team of representatives from the various NAFSA professional sections and educator groups.

Interested in joining the NAFSA Region IV Team? View job descriptions for all NAFSA Region IV team positions.

Contact a regional team member based on their position responsibilities. Contact information can be found on the NAFSA member directory.

Contact Us

Karla McCollum

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Photo of Karla McColllum
Iowa State University Foundation
Chair Elect, Region IV
Karla McCollum, Director of Development for International Engagement for the Iowa State University Foundation, has over 15 years of international experience which encompasses the fields of international admissions, recruitment, diplomacy, and now advancement.

Jorona Johnson

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Photo of Jorona Johnson
Drake University
Communications Coordinator, NAFSA Region IV

Elizabeth O’Brien

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Photo of Elizabeth O'Brien
Kirkwood Community College
Secretary, NAFSA Region IV
Elizabeth O’Brien is the International Program Coordinator at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In her role, Elizabeth supports international students studying at Kirkwood on grant sponsored programs in addition to creating on-campus programing to support internationalization efforts...

Kerry Plath

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Photo of Kerry Plath
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Treasurer - Elect, Region IV

Stephanie Rojas

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Photo of Stephanie Rojas
University of Northern Iowa
Education Abroad Representative, Region IV

Ben Hassman

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Photo of Ben Hassman
University of Iowa
Teaching Learning & Scholarship Representative, Region IV
Ben Hassman is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Rhetoric Department at the University of Iowa. He approaches teaching from an experiential interculturalist perspective, working to build classrooms where students create knowledge out of diverse groups of students genuinely engaging...

Morrell Whitley

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Photo of Morrell Whitley
University of Missouri - Columbia
International Student & Scholar Services Representative, Region IV
Morrell is from St. Louis, where he attended Soldan International Studies High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in business and management information systems from Missouri University of Science and Technology. After graduation, he began his career in international education as an international...

Kathryn Gaylord-Miles

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Photo of Kathryn Gaylord-Miles
University of Minnesota
International Education Leadership Representative, Region IV
Kathryn Gaylord-Miles has been in the field of international education for 15+ years, with experience in international student and scholar services, international enrollment management and teaching English to speakers of other languages. She is currently the Associate Director for Student Advising &...

Patrick Parnell

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Patrick Parnell
Missouri State University
International Enrollment Management Representative, Region IV

Erika Lees

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Erika Lees
Northwest Missouri State University
Public Policy Representative, Region IV

Ava Deitrich

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Photo of Ava Deitrich
University of Northern Iowa
Iowa State Representative, Region IV
Ava Deitrich is the Student Services Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Through her role, she supports students by coordinating and running in person orientations, cultural events, volunteer programs, and assists with the everyday needs of the student population she...

Maleeha Latif

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Photo of Maleeha Latif
Minot State University
North Dakota State Representative, Region IV

Heather Reed

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Photo of Heather Reed
Augustana University
South Dakota State Representative, Region IV

Andrea Barnwell

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Photo of Andrea Barnwell
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State Representative, Region IV
Andrea is a Student Advising Team Lead at the University of Minnesota (UMN), in the International Student and Scholar Services office. In this role she advises F-1 and J-1 students on immigration regulations pertaining to their visa status. Prior to coming to UMN, Andrea had been in the field...

Jemma Lund

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Photo of Jemma Lund
University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center
Conference Planner, Region IV
Jemma Lund is an Instructor-led Program Manager at the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center. She formerly was the Study Abroad Manager at the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay and has been working in the field since 2011. Before working in higher education, she taught English conversation...