Voting for: NAFSA Region VII Georgia State Representative
NAFSA Region VII has an open position for State Representative of Georgia. This position will begin at the Regional Conference in October 2019 and last for approximately 3 years. The state Representative acts as a liaison between the state organization and NAFSA Regional and National and serves as a leader in the state promoting professional development, providing factual information as it relates to international education, and supporting the Region in conference development.
This is an elected position voted on by state membership.
There are two applicants eligible for the position. Please review both candidate’s information and submit your vote.
This is an elected position voted on by state membership.
There are two applicants eligible for the position. Please review both candidate’s information and submit your vote.
Mike Townsend
I have had the opportunity to serve in many different capacities over the last few years – Chair of GILC and Chair of GAIE. It’s a pleasure meeting and collaborating with so many from around the state. I am honored to be considered for this opportunity and excited for the possibility to continue serving the state as the NAFSA Region VII Representative.
BIO
Mike Townsend currently serves as the Senior International Advisor at Georgia State University. His primary responsibilities include immigration advising,
orientation management, student programming, and data management. Before joining GSU, Mike was the Africa Volunteer Program Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity International.
Mike served as the GAIE Chair from 2018-2019 and Chair of GILC from 2015-2017. He continues to remain active in both organizations to support ongoing efforts for leadership development and sustainability. He has regularly presented at GAIE and NAFSA Region VII conferences, as well as host webinars for GAIE.
Professional Memberships
Education
BIO
Mike Townsend currently serves as the Senior International Advisor at Georgia State University. His primary responsibilities include immigration advising,
orientation management, student programming, and data management. Before joining GSU, Mike was the Africa Volunteer Program Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity International.
Mike served as the GAIE Chair from 2018-2019 and Chair of GILC from 2015-2017. He continues to remain active in both organizations to support ongoing efforts for leadership development and sustainability. He has regularly presented at GAIE and NAFSA Region VII conferences, as well as host webinars for GAIE.
Professional Memberships
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- GAIE: Georgia Association of International Educators
- GILC: Georgia International Leadership Conference
Education
- PhD, Sociology – Georgia State University (in progress)
- MA, Public Service – Clinton School of Public Service, University of Arkansas Little Rock
- BA, Religious Studies – University of the Cumberlands
Carissa Williams Murray
Over the past few years I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve the state of Georgia (and our neighboring states) as the Co-Chair/Chair/Past Chair of the Georgia Lessons From Abroad Returnee Conference. Now I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving our state as the Georgia State Representative.
Through my passion and commitment for international education I will foster communication and collaboration, and encourage involvement and participation at the state, regional, and national levels.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve and work with you, and represent the state of Georgia.
BIO
Based in Atlanta, GA, Carissa is the Regional Director of University Relations for the Southeast at CEA Study Abroad. She works closely with university advisors, faculty and staff to support the student exploration, advising and registration processes as well as to identify ways in which CEA can assist in the success of the campus' agenda for internationalization. Before joining CEA in January 2012, Carissa worked at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as the Study Abroad and National Student Exchange Coordinator from July 2008 – December 2011.
In 2014, Carissa served as the co-chair for the Georgia Lessons from Abroad Conference; the Chair for 2015-17, and past chair in 2018. Carissa is active in the Georgia Association of International Educators (GAIE), and has also presented at GAIE, TAIE, and NAFSA Regional conferences.
Organizational Memberships
Education
Through my passion and commitment for international education I will foster communication and collaboration, and encourage involvement and participation at the state, regional, and national levels.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve and work with you, and represent the state of Georgia.
BIO
Based in Atlanta, GA, Carissa is the Regional Director of University Relations for the Southeast at CEA Study Abroad. She works closely with university advisors, faculty and staff to support the student exploration, advising and registration processes as well as to identify ways in which CEA can assist in the success of the campus' agenda for internationalization. Before joining CEA in January 2012, Carissa worked at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as the Study Abroad and National Student Exchange Coordinator from July 2008 – December 2011.
In 2014, Carissa served as the co-chair for the Georgia Lessons from Abroad Conference; the Chair for 2015-17, and past chair in 2018. Carissa is active in the Georgia Association of International Educators (GAIE), and has also presented at GAIE, TAIE, and NAFSA Regional conferences.
Organizational Memberships
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- NACE: National Association for Colleges and Employers
Education
- MA, International Education – SIT Graduate Institute (VT)
- BA, Business Administration – University of Wisconsin – River Falls (WI)
- NAFSA Academy Graduate (Class 10)