Care and Advocacy Team

The Care and Advocacy Team (CAT) is dedicated to providing culturally-appropriate support services to international students.

CAT helps international students access Missouri State resources including:

mental health support
bias prevention
community connection
other university resources for your support and safety at Missouri State University.

For students

We're here to help you navigate university and community resources. Contact us with questions about mental and emotional health, academic issues, bias prevention, and more. We will help you connect with the appropriate resource and provide the support you need to succeed.

Bellow, students can find useful resources if they ever need help throughout the university's services:

For university and community resources

We are strong advocates of international student needs to our university colleagues and community members. Contact us with questions about culturally-appropriate support services and international student needs.

Meet our team

Our team consists of staff and graduate assistants in International Programs. We're dedicated to ensuring international students access the help and connections they need.

Person item component: DaeziaSmith@MissouriState.edu

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Smith serves as the Leadership Programs Specialist in International Programs and coordinates the Global Leaders and Mentors Program, helping new international students make valuable and lasting connections at Missouri State.

Person item component: PatrickParnell@MissouriState.edu

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Parnell leads the Office of International Services, responsible for international student admissions, immigration support, and more. His passion for cultural exchange began in high school and led to a career in international education.

Person item component: JinziFan@MissouriState.edu

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Fan develops, implements, and facilitates international education and leadership training programs. She dedicates her effort into the Public Affairs mission and focuses on academic, practical, and cultural experiences of international students.

Person item component: Claudia281@live.missouristate.edu

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Chiari Ferreira is a graduate student from Brazil who works on collaborative projects with Missouri State's university partners in Brazil. As a prospective Clinical Counselor, she is passionate about diversity and inclusion.

Person item component: XGong@MissouriState.edu

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Gong's past roles in China Programs and International Programs give him a unique perspective in his current role in the College of Business, where he supports international students from China studying at Missouri State.

Person item component: DandanLiu@MissouriState.edu

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Liu began her Missouri State career at the Dalian, China campus in 2005. Now she's the liaison between Missouri State and Chinese partners to ensure Chinese students cross cultural barriers and accomplish their academic and cultural exchange goals.

Person item component: Tran5@live.missouristate.edu

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Tran welcomes and supports students from Vietnam as a graduate in the Office of International Programs. Her passion for providing a welcoming atmosphere for other international students is apparent in her efforts.

Person item component: CPettijohn@MissouriState.edu

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Patiijohn teaches and organizes activities for International Students at the English Language Institute.

Person item component: DarrenYoung@MissouriState.edu

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Young has served Missouri State for over 20 years and found his passion in serving international students. As advisor to multiple international student organizations, he works closely with international student leaders to promote cultural exchange.