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

OISS International Center Staff

Chad Goeden, International Center Coordinator

Chad joined the OISS staff in July 2007 as 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. Before coming to WSU, Chad was in western Ukraine as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English as a Foreign Language and working with the PC Ukraine HIV/AIDS task force as well as American Councils in Kyiv. After his close of service with Peace Corps, Chad taught English in northern Germany before returning to the U.S. Chad has been involved in the International Education profession for more than seven years.
Email:cgoeden@wsu.edu
Skype number/name: chad.goeden.oiss

Bryan Hall Office Staff

International Student Advisors

Wakana Ackerman, International Student Advisor (F-1 and J-1 Students)

Wakana advises students in F-1 and J-1 status. Wakana joined the OISS staff in December 2002. She assists F-1 and J-1 students with immigration issues as well as other non-academic matters. Wakana is originally from Japan and graduated from WSU in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Communications. She worked in California for two years before returning to the University in 2002. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her.
wakana@wsu.edu

Ben Colston, International Student Advisor and Peer Mentor Program Coordinator (F-1 Students)

Ben joined OISS in January 2007.  As an International Student Advisor, he assists F-1 students with immigration matters and other issues.  He also coordinates the Peer Mentor program through the OISS Internatioal Center. 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

SEVIS

Rob 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

Program Support Supervisor, Denise Keeton

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

Legal Program Coordinator, Damen Rodriguez

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