Marisa Atencio

Dr. Marisa Atencio has a 20+ year career with roles at both private and public institutions across IE functional areas. In 2018 she shifted from ISSS leadership roles and return where her IE journey started. As the inaugural Assistant Dean and Director for Global Education at Oglethorpe University, a small private, liberal arts college in Atlanta,  she focuses on supporting all students to have global learning experiences,  with a focus on those traditionally underserved in education abroad. She has been an active member volunteer with NAFSA since 2001 holding several leadership positions that include Region VII Scholar Regulatory Ombusdperson (2016-2018), Trainer Corps lead and co-trainer (2012-Present), the Travel subcommittee (2013-2016), and graduating from the NAFSA Academy in 2007. She has presented or moderated workshops, sessions, or posters at regional and national international education and higher education conferences. Her passion for international education is rooted in her own study abroad in Venezuela 25 years ago and her desire to be an advocate for students as they pursue their personal and academic goals. Her passion for intercultural learning and exploring the world spills over at home in the ways she and her partner work to raise their two teenagers.