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Director, Richard Porter

Richard has over twenty years experience in international education and has responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). He has held regional and national leadership positions in the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) and has traveled to over 15 countries in Asia, North America and Europe. He lived and worked in Japan for 6 years. In addition to his native language of English, Richard speaks Japanese and Spanish. He welcomes your feedback on OISS services and enjoys meeting and serving students and scholars from around the world.
Email: richard_porter@wsu.edu
Skype number/name: richard.porter.oiss (World Clock)

OISS International Center Staff

Ben Colston, International Center Coordinator

Ben joined OISS in January 2007 as an International Student Advisor.  In August of 2009 he changed his position and became the International Center Coordinator. He works very closely with the International Students’ Council as well as other student organizations, the Peer Mentor Program, International Center Internship Program and other involvement and leadership opportunities for students. Ben is originally from Houston, Texas and received his BA from the University of Texas.  He met his wife, a native of north Idaho, while he was in Oregon, and fell in love with the Northwest.  He spent three years in China teaching English at a university while pursuing an MA at Wheaton College.  His primary interest is spending time with his wife and daughter, but he also enjoys playing sports, especially football (that’s soccer for those of you from the States), and meeting and helping students from around the world.
bcolston@wsu.edu

Bryan Hall Office Staff

International Student Advisor

Garnette Roberts, International Student Advisor (F-1 Students)

Garnette joined the OISS staff in September of 2009 as the international student advisor. With over 7 years experience in higher education Garnette has always enjoyed working with students from all over the world as they embark on their academic endeavors. Originally from Grenada, which is a small tropical island in the Caribbean (only 100 miles north of Venezuela) he first came to the United States to pursue his academic goals. Garnette’s office is always open and he will be happy to assist international students on immigration and other student issues.
garnette_roberts@wsu.edu

SEVIS

Robert Rigg, SEVIS Coordinator and PDSO

As SEVIS Coordinator, Robert is responsible for managing the information systems containing data on WSU international students, scholars, and faculty. He also coordinates the many Offices on WSU that enter data into the system and oversees WSU's reporting to SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). Robert grew up in Texas and attended Texas Tech University. He moved to the Palouse area in 1994 and joined the OISS team in June of 2004. Robert is always happy to answer questions and assist in solving problems.
robertr@wsu.edu

Scholar Advisors

Dena Neese, Immigration Compliance Specialist (H-1B, and Permanent Residency)

Dena Neese advises departments and faculty on immigration matters, including H-1B petitions, labor certification applications, and immigrant visa petitions. After many years away, Dena is happy to return home to the Palouse, where she grew up. She graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law in 2001. Before joining OISS in March 2006, she worked as an immigration attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, handling both corporate business immigration matters and individual removal and deportation cases. Dena enjoys assisting departments and faculty in understanding and navigating the immigration system. She is available to meet with you by appointment.
dneese@wsu.edu

Rob Cassleman, International Scholar Advisor (J-1 Research Scholars)

Rob Cassleman is an International Scholar Advisor whose primary responsibility is to advise J-1 visiting scholars and faculty with immigration matters as well as other concerns. Since Rob has worked in higher education for more than 25 years, and been employed at WSU for the better part of twenty years, he would be happy to answer questions about university life and Pullman as well. Some of Rob's personal interests are traveling, sports, comparative educational systems, cooking, and family life. He is available for either an appointment or for walk-in time.
rcasslem@wsu.edu

Office Support Staff

Denise Keeton, Program Support Supervisor

Denise joined the OISS staff in July 2004, but has been with WSU since 1992. She is very familiar with the WSU Campus and is happy to answer questions as much as possible. Denise oversees the OISS front office. She makes sure things run smoothly. Denise is also responsible for assisting Sponsored Students, overseeing our Orientation Assistants, and acts as an academic advisor for non-degree international students. Denise is a WSU Alumni with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She is definitely a “COUG” at heart. Denise is excited to be a part of the OISS team and looks forward to meeting students from all over the world.
ddkeeton@wsu.edu

Damen Rodriguez, Legal Program Coordinator

As the Legal Program Coordinator, Damen Gabriel Rodriguez (Gabby) works with our international faculty and scholars. He joined the OISS team in early 2007 and assists our Immigration Compliance Specialist and International Scholar Advisor. Gabby, of Puerto Rican heritage, grew up in the Tacoma/Olympia, WA area and has been living, going to school, and working in Pullman since 1997. He enjoys sports, learning about different cultures and meeting new people. Go COUGS!!!
gabbygabby@wsu.edu

Camille Armstrong, Receptionist

Camille joined the OISS staff in July 2008 as our wonderful Receptionist. She graduated from WSU in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music. Camille is originally from the Federal Way, WA area, but has lived in various places within Washington State and now calls Pullman her home. Camille enjoys surfing, traveling, cooking, making music, and eating! She is excited to meet new people from all over the world and help them have an amazing experience here at WSU.
carmstrong@wsu.edu

Page Updated: September 22, 2009