‘The Right Opportunity’: New ISS director hopes to expand OSU’s international student engagement

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Media Contact: Hailey Rose Viars | Communications Specialist | 405-744-5496 | hviars@okstate.edu

After two decades in international education and a journey that brought her back to Oklahoma, Elisabeth Walker brings a wealth of experience and a vision for expanding global engagement to Oklahoma State University’s Office of International Students and Scholars.

In 2024, Walker was named director of ISS, a key component of OSU Global that facilitates the education and personal development of international students and scholars, as well as assists with culture exchange and enrichment at OSU and the Stillwater community.

Walker relates to international students because of her own background living abroad. At the beginning of her career, she taught English in South Korea.

“I can empathize with people who move here to go to school, where everything is new and they’re away from their family and friends,” Walker said. “The first three months were extremely hard. I cried myself to sleep every night.”

That personal understanding of cultural adjustment shapes Walker’s approach to supporting international students at OSU. After earning her bachelor’s degree in mass communications and master’s in leadership management from Oklahoma City University, she spent 24 years working in international education in Texas before the opportunity to join OSU emerged.

Walker also discovered during her interview that Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and OSU Global dean, had been her professor when she was a graduate student at OCU. 

“Multiple people were saying, ‘Dr. Kluver said he knows you from OCU,’” Walker said. “He seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place him until after the interview.”

Now back in Oklahoma to be closer to family in Tulsa, Walker aims to expand OSU’s international student population while enhancing support services. Currently, OSU hosts about 1,500 international students, which she hopes will double in the coming years.

Her vision includes building more infrastructure to support staff, expanding student resources and workshops and fostering deeper connections between international and American students. 

“International students can benefit from getting to know American students and understanding American work culture,” Walker said. “And American students who end up working for global companies will benefit from having worked with international students.”

Walker highlights OSU’s strong academic programs, community feel and safety as key factors that attract international students. The university also features active international student organizations and local clubs that provide supportive networks.

Looking ahead, she plans to implement focus groups and surveys to better understand student needs. She also hopes to partner with immigration attorneys and OSU Career Services to help international students navigate post-graduation opportunities in the U.S.

“I’ve been around higher education my whole life,” Walker said. “This job and location bring together everything I’ve done. It’s magically the right opportunity at the right time in my career.”

For those interested in supporting or collaborating with international students, Walker’s door is always open.

“I’m excited to be at OSU,” Walker said. “If people would like to support international students or partner with me or the international office, I’m happy to meet with anybody.” 

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