Regina Henry honored with Lifetime Membership Award

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Media Contact: Lyn Putnam | Communications Specialist | 405-744-5496 | lyn.putnam@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University along with the School of Global Studies and Partnerships are pleased to announce that NAFSA: Association of International Educators has awarded Regina Henry with a NAFSA Life Membership Award.

This recognition  is awarded to NAFSA members in recognition of their career achievements in advancing the goals of the association and of international education and exchange. Individuals become eligible for nomination at the announcement of their intended retirement from professional responsibilities in the field of international education. 

NAFSA is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. Regina Henry, who recently retired from her position as coordinator of immigration at OSU, served for 44 years to facilitate international student and scholar exchanges.

“International education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is an essential element of developing globally competent individuals,” said Dr. Randy Kluver, Associate Provost and Dean of the School of Global Studies and Partnerships. “Regina’s career has moved OSU forward significantly in our international objectives and visibility, and generations of students and scholars have benefited from her tireless service.”

Henry was a NAFSA member-leader throughout most of her career, holding various elected and appointed positions including; CAFSS representative to education and training; Annual Conference workshop coordinator and poster fair organizer; Region III chair; and regulatory ombudsperson.

She served as a Trainer Corps member for 10 years, training immigration specialists at other universities. Her contributions to the Core Education Program (CEP) extended beyond training to updating and revising the CEP workshop curriculum and materials. Henry's honors for mentoring fellow international educators include the Region III Certificate of Service to International Education and the NAFSA Knowledge Community for International Student and Scholar Services Award of Excellence.

OSU has endowed the Regina Henry Scholarship to ensure that her impact on the university’s international students, faculty and scholars continues beyond her retirement. Since retirement, Regina has volunteered with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corp, assisting at COVID-19 vaccine sites. Regina Henry also received the 2014 KC ISSS Award of Excellence.

“NAFSA’s strength derives from our members like Regina who, over the course of a career, have provided the association with formal and informal leadership, encouraged collaborative dialogues, and promoted knowledge creation to strengthen and serve the field," said Esther Brimmer, NAFSA executive director and CEO. "In their nomination of Regina, her colleagues highlighted impact upon the international student community in Oklahoma, her leadership within her NAFSA region, and her talents as a trainer for NAFSA programs and workshops.

"Regina’s dedication, mentorship, caring, and advocacy have been essential to the association’s success during her long career in international education. We congratulate Regina on her retirement from Oklahoma State University.”