Elizabeth Dille
Beech Island
Summary
International education professional with extensive experience in driving global initiatives and enhancing cross-cultural collaboration. Expertise in strategic planning and program development, utilizing strong analytical skills to improve operational efficiency. Proven ability to build relationships and lead diverse teams to meet ambitious objectives in international environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of International Programs
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken
12.2020 - Current
- Act as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the university, as part of the Student Exchange Visitor Program.
- Create and maintain Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records, policy development, and immigration workshops in accordance with SEVIS regulations.
- Maintain university SEVP F-1 sponsor designation through policy guidance, recertification, data integrity, and nonimmigrant international student advisement.
- Act as the university's international health, safety, and risk manager for incoming and outbound students. Evaluate and develop policies, guidelines, and protocols to minimize risk and liability for university faculty, staff, and students.
- Oversee policy development and administration of study abroad programs.
- Develop protocols and provide guidance for faculty and staff regarding customized program proposals.
- Fiscally responsible for departmental and scholarship funding (over $400,000 annually), including individual faculty-led program budgets.
- Provide support services for international students to ensure a smooth transition and progression toward a degree.
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance international student engagement and support services.
- Managed departmental budgets and fiscal planning, ensuring alignment with university goals.
- Evaluated and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency within the department.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to develop and administer study abroad programs and exchange agreements.
- Provided training and guidance on immigration policy to faculty, staff, and university administration.
- Organized and facilitated workshops for students and scholars on immigration and cultural adaptation.
- Established partnerships with international institutions to expand educational opportunities for students.
- Conducted assessments of student services and programs to ensure quality and effectiveness.
- Led efforts to improve communication and collaboration among diverse university departments.
- Reviewed and processed student applications for international programs, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Supervised and mentored staff, promoting professional development and team cohesion.
- Acted as a liaison between international students and university resources to enhance their experience.
- Coordinated emergency response protocols for international students during crises or natural disasters.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
Assistant Director of Student Life, International Programs
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken
11.2018 - 12.2020
- Oversaw policy development and administration for study abroad programs.
- Developed protocols and provided guidance on customized program proposals for faculty and staff.
- Reviewed exchange and study abroad applications, advising students on course registration and financial matters.
- Managed departmental budgets in collaboration with office staff and bursars.
- Organized pre-departure, re-entry, and international student orientations for students and scholars.
- Acted as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for F-1 students to ensure compliance.
- Created and maintained SEVIS records while developing immigration workshops per SEVIS regulations.
- Evaluated exchange agreements and affiliate partnerships to enhance program effectiveness.
Associate Director of International Programs
Mercer University
Macon
05.2017 - 10.2018
- Develop, maintain, and evaluate exchange agreements and affiliate partnerships.
- Supervise, advise, and collaborate with office staff, and student staff based on the Macon Campus.
- Develop protocols and provide guidance for faculty and staff regarding customized program proposals.
- Manage departmental budgets in collaboration with office staff and bursars.
- Organize and facilitate pre-departure, re-entry and international student orientations for students and scholars.
- Act as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and Designated School Official (DSO) for J-1 and F-1 students and scholars.
- Created and maintained SEVIS records and facilitated immigration workshops in regards to SEVIS regulations.
- Serve as primary advisor and coordinator for all incoming international students and scholars.
- Advise International Bears Association, provide guidance and mentorship to the executive board.
- Collaborate with Faculty Departments, Bursar, Financial Planning, Registrar, Residence Life, Admissions, and Academic Advising on matters related to international programs.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance the university's international programs and partnerships.
Assistant Director of International Programs
Presbyterian College
Clinton
07.2011 - 05.2017
- Develop, maintain, and evaluate over 35 international exchange partnerships. Primary contact and advisor regarding incoming and outgoing students.
- Organize and facilitate pre-departure, re-entry and international student orientations for students and parents.
- Act as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and Designated School Official (DSO) for J-1 and F-1 students.
- Review exchange and study abroad student applications and advise students on course registration, financial matters, housing, arrival, the visa process and health insurance.
- Coordinate International Program events such as; study abroad fairs, international education week, faculty-led program workshops, orientations, language exchange, international buddies, and off campus excursions.
- Supervise and assign tasks to student staff, graduate interns, ESL tutors and the student ambassador program.
- Serve on emergency on-call rotation schedule for campus of 1200 residents.
- Represent the Office of International Programs on the following five committees; International Studies Committee, Multicultural Affairs and Concerns Committee, Diversity Task Force, Diversity Council, and the Upstate International Education Committee.
- Facilitated collaboration between academic departments and international partners to promote educational exchange opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive resource materials for international students, addressing financial, legal, and cultural aspects of study.
Education
Master of Arts - Applied History
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania12.2009
Bachelor of Arts - History, Communications
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, Ohio05.2008
Skills
- SEVIS administration
- Immigration policy
- Risk management
- Budget management
- Policy development
- Program oversight
- Student engagement
- Partnership cultivation
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Program management
Professional Volunteer Positions
- NAFSA Region VII Team Executive Leadership Team- Chair Stream, 10/01/20, 10/01/23, Lead the regional team and preside at all Regional and Team Meetings., Establishes and monitors budget and goals for the upcoming conference., Conducts onsite visits for future conference locations and finalizes hotel, conference center contracts for that conference., Serves as overall coordinator of the regional conference with assistance of the regional team., Compiles annual Region VII report for the NAFSA national office., Appoints Team members to positions according to by-laws and committee chairs., Provided three immigration specific workshops to train colleges and universities staff in respect to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) related policies, rules and regulations., Exceeded registration goals by 120%.
- NAFSA Region VII Team Past Chair, Serve on NAFSA Regional Affairs Committee., Assess / develop / recruit potential new leaders for NAFSA leadership positions., Plan & lead new team member orientation, coordinates all pre-conference workshops., Oversee the regional annual awards nomination, selection & recognition process.
- NAFSA Region VII Team Chair Elect, Works with the Development Coordinator on recruitment, and onboarding of exhibitors & sponsors., Responsible for the Travel Grant Award process and, if applicable, Advocacy Day. Supports subcommittees responsible for planning and implementing newcomers orientation, resume reviews, and the mentorship program.
- Education Abroad Knowledge Community Liaison, 11/01/15, 11/01/18
- South Carolina State Representative, 05/01/13, 10/01/16
- South Carolina Association of International Educators State Chair and Representative, 05/01/13, 02/01/16, Successfully planned and coordinated three state conferences for international education professionals., Served as resource and advocate for international education professionals concerning best practices, national and state resources, and professional development.
- Education Abroad Liaison, 07/01/11, 05/01/13, Served as liaison between the Executive Board and education abroad professionals in the state., Worked to create professional development and networking opportunities for new education abroad professionals., Advocate for and address the needs of education abroad professionals and SC institutions serving study abroad students.
Additional Work Experience
- Women's Center Staff Assistant, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
- Fashion Archives and Museum Intern, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
- Intern, Conservation Lab, Westminster Archives Centre, London, UK
- Resident Assistant, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Mount Vernon, OH
- Student Staff Member/Manager, Pioneer Food Service, Mount Vernon, OH
- Volunteer, East Africa Field Office; Nazarenes in Volunteer Service, Nairobi, Kenya
Timeline
Director of International Programs
University of South Carolina Aiken
12.2020 - Current
Assistant Director of Student Life, International Programs
University of South Carolina Aiken
11.2018 - 12.2020
Associate Director of International Programs
Mercer University
05.2017 - 10.2018
Assistant Director of International Programs
Presbyterian College
07.2011 - 05.2017
Master of Arts - Applied History
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - History, Communications
Mount Vernon Nazarene University