Athens, Ga. – Justin S. Jeffery has been named the new director of International Student Life at the University of Georgia.
Jeffery is currently assistant director of the office of student activities at Georgia Southern University. His UGA appointment is effective July 10.
“Justin brings impressive experience and talent to the position,” said Victor K. Wilson, vice president for student affairs. “His international work experience combined with his knowledge gained from service at one of Georgia’s larger public institutions makes him uniquely qualified to lead International Student Life at UGA.”
In addition to supervising the Office of International Student Life staff, the new director will be responsible for developing the vision for programming and services, managing resources and facilitating a variety of cross-cultural and international programs that ensure developmental and academic growth, promote the success and retention of UGA’s international and multinational students and educating the university community.
International Student Life, a department within the division of student affairs, produces campus-wide programs including International Street Festival, which draws crowds of around 15,000 to downtown Athens for interactive cultural displays and musical and dance performances, and International Coffee Hour, an event held weekly for more than 40 years that brings students, faculty and staff together for international cuisine and coffee.
“I’m excited about UGA’s focus on both supporting and celebrating the diversity of the international student population,” Jeffery said. “I look forward to enhancing ISL’s roles in enriching the experiences of international students and serving as the conduit for educating campus about the contributions of these dynamic students.”
Jeffery earned his bachelor of arts in political science and master of education in higher education administration from Kent State University. He began his career in student affairs by serving as residence director at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He then transitioned abroad to the same role at the Qatar Foundation in Doha, Qatar, eventually earning promotion to campus life coordinator. After three years abroad, he moved back to the U.S. to serve in his current role in student activities at Georgia Southern.
“Opportunities to connect to the campus and Athens communities are vital for both undergraduate and graduate international students’ successes,” Jeffery said. “I look forward to playing a part in enriching their experience, and along with them, to calling UGA home.”
UGA Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs comprises 20 campus departments that enhance the learning environment for students at the University of Georgia by stimulating the learning process, integrating the in-class and out-of-class experiences, promoting an environment conducive to growth and discovery and facilitating intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, physical, cultural and emotional development. For more information, see studentaffairs.uga.edu.