Center for International Programs Staff
Rebecca S. Brown, Ph.D., Director of the Center for International Programs
Rebecca Brown joined HSU September, 2011, as the Director of the Center for International Programs. As the Senior International Officer for the University her responsibilities include oversight of all study abroad activities, international admission and immigration advising, HSU’s Intensive English Language Institute, international programing and international student recruitment.
Previously Dr. Brown was the Director of International Programs at the University of Idaho, Moscow, and the University of Virginia. Earlier, she was the District Director of International & Intercultural Education in the Maricopa Community College District of Tempe, Arizona and a faculty member at EARTH University in Costa Rica. Dr. Brown received her doctorate from Iowa State University, her Master’s of Science in Education, teaching credentials and her undergraduate degree from the University of California at Davis.
In her free time, Dr. Brown enjoys horse back riding, spending time with her husband, Steve, and their two dogs, Buster Brown and Molly Brown. She also enjoys wandering around the redwood forests and spending time near the Humboldt county beaches and trails, most especially in her favorite place in the world, Trinidad.
Penelope Shaw, Study Abroad Coordinator
Penelope has been traveling all her life and is now encouraging students to do what she so loves. After living and teaching in London Penelope moved to Colombia and taught elementary school in Cali, traveling throughout South America while she was there. On landing in Arcata she taught at a local alternative school and then decided to continue her studies at HSU. While studying she discovered the world of international education and was hooked; here was the perfect combination of travel and education!
Recent journeys have taken her to Bhutan, a lifelong ‘bucket wish’ location, India, China, Guatemala and of course, the UK where it all started.
Megan Mefford, Coordinator of International Admission, Immigration and Advising
Megan is responsible for the day-to day operations of international admission, immigration and academic advising for HSU international students. Megan advises and leads international students through the admission process continuing her support of HSU’s international students through her advisement on immigration and academic policies. Megan is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Education. Megan spent 6 months in Ghana during her undergraduate study and has visited many other countries over the years. Megan loves beautiful Humboldt County and enjoys spending her free time with her “growing” family. Megan enjoys meeting and serving students from around the world.
Emily Kirsch, International Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator
Emily is responsible for the marketing of Humboldt State University to international students, as well as recruitment and management of relations with China. She also does some student advising and helps with admissions, along with coordinating International Education Week and new student orientation. Emily is an HSU graduate, completing her BA in International Studies with a Chinese Studies emphasis in 2007. She is currently working on her Master’s in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute. She did a one semester study abroad at Xi’an International Studies University (XISU) in Xi’an, China, studying Mandarin Chinese. Upon returning, she worked in the Office of Admissions at HSU before joining the Center for International Programs (CIP) in 2011. She enjoys working with students from all over the world and welcoming them to the wonderful community of Humboldt - one of her very favorite moments is when new students see the giant redwoods or the ocean for the first time.
Daeng Khoupradit, International Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator
Daeng is an alumna of Humboldt State University where she graduated with a degree in International Business. She currently supports the Center for International Programs (CIP) as a Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator. Before joining the CIP team, Daeng has worked on campus at the MultiCultural Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Institutional Research and Planning. She also serves as the Vice President of Staff Council (Campus Governance). When not working, Daeng enjoys cycling, gardening, backpacking in the Siskiyous, learning new languages, and traveling the globe as an exotic “fruit hunter".
Donald Andrews, Director of the International English Language Institute (IELI)
Don has been the Director of the International English Language Institute for twenty-five years. He supervises and administers IELI's academic programs, instructors and staff. He oversees curriculum development, internal policies and procedures, academic standards and evaluation, and instructional support. He also enjoys advising and helping students as they progress through the intensive English program and move toward their professional and educational goals.
One of the most gratifying aspects of his position is hearing back from hundreds of former students as their lives unfold with work, family, and new accomplishments. These IELI alums invariably mention the wonderful time they spent here at their "home away from home" and how pivotal it was in their personal, academic and professional growth.
Prior to coming to IELI, Don was a faculty member in Political Science at Humboldt State University, the University of Alberta and L'Université Laurentienne in Canada.
Chief sources of joy are his wife and four children, playing guitar and singing, working in the garden, paragliding, and enjoying the incredible beauty of the surrounding area with its beaches, rivers and forests.
Nicola Moloney, IELI International Student Service and Admissions Coordinator
As a 19 year old immigrant from the UK to America, Nicola discovered a passion for intercultural issues and international relations. As a result of moving from London to a tiny village in the mountains of California called Willow Creek, she learned the effects of culture shock and the skills needed to learn and grow from it. Due to her experience, she finds great satisfaction in assisting students with the effects of culture shock.
While residing in Willow Creek, she raised a garden and family and learned how to be a river guide. She was also involved in volunteer work with youth and women groups, building bridges within the community. She attended Humboldt State University to get her degree in International studies with an emphasis on culture and intercultural relations.
Nicola has worked as an Administrator, Housing and Activities Coordinator for the International English Language Institute for many years, helping students with the different needs of their lives at the IELI and in Humboldt County. She loves learning about student’s lives and their families. Her favorite time is when she sees an alumni IELI student graduate from Humboldt State University, knowing what they have overcome to achieve their goals.
Tyler Bradbury, IELI Academic Coordinator
Tyler is part of the team responsible for the day to day operations of the International English Language Institute. She develops and coordinates academic programs and materials, advises students, supervises the other IELI instructors, and teaches IELI courses. Tyler has been teaching ESL both in the USA and abroad since 2001. She is a graduate of Grinnell College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and received her Masters in Education, TESOL from the State University of New York, Buffalo in 2006. She has lived and taught in the People's Republic of China and in several places in France. She speaks French fluently. Exploring new countries and becoming familiar with new cultures is what drew Tyler to ESL; she loves learning about her students' cultures and experiences, and she enjoys traveling abroad whenever she has the chance. Her door is always open for students experiencing academic or cultural adjustment problems!
In her free time, Tyler is an avid backpacker and runner. She enjoys exploring the Trinity Alps Wilderness area and hiking along the beaches in Northern Humboldt County.