For Immediate Release
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New Commission members chosen to ensure that educational agencies follow best practices in international student recruitment and enrollment.
Falls Church, VA, (May 16, 2022) – The Board of Directors has approved three nominees to fill vacancies in the Certification Commission of the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC). Commission members oversee the AIRC educational agency Certification process and determine whether agencies meet AIRC’s agency standards. The new Commission members are Adam Julian of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Cristhina Starke of New Mexico Military Institute, and Cynthia Yu of the University at Buffalo, SUNY.
Julian seeks to make a positive contribution and support the field of international education and recruitment during his time at AIRC. "I believe that the standards AIRC upholds are critical, and ensure that the best interests of both international students and their enrolling institutions are met in a mutually beneficial way," Julian said.
With his many roles in higher education, Julian specializes in international student and scholar services, immigration practice, recruitment and enrollment, education management, and advising. Julian also has a successful record of developing and implementing systems, policies, and procedures.
In addition to his work as a Director of International Student and Scholar Services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Julian also holds the chair of NAFSA's International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice Committee. Julian is a previous Fullbright Scholar recipient and holds a master's in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a bachelor's in History from Indiana University.
Starke completed AIRC's International Student Recruitment and Enrollment Planning (ISREP) program and has attended AIRC's annual conference. Inspired by these experiences, Starke is joining the Commission to help make a deeper impact. "I feel that with my 15 years of experience in the international education field and with my secondary and junior college knowledge, I can contribute to the continued success of AIRC," Starke said.
A desire to connect with people of different cultures is a key influence in Starke’s experience working in international education. Starke specializes in faculty diversity training, international student recruitment, relationship management, international partnerships, academic program operations, and student immigration policies.
Starke currently serves as a Director of International Affairs at New Mexico Military Institute and is a previous International Department Director at Wentworth Military Academy and College. A graduate of Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas in Brazil, Starke holds a master’s degree in Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in Education. Starke speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish and has a good comprehension of both French and Italian.
Yu's first-hand experience as a student working with agents gave her great insight into the workings of strategic recruitment in higher education. Having worked for more than a decade in international enrollment management (IEM), Yu strives to contribute to the AIRC community and promote internationalization in higher education. "My desire to contribute to the community and my passion for working in IEM led me to serve as a Commission member. I believe in the mission, vision, and values of AIRC," Yu stated.
Working with recruitment partners and agents on a global scale has contributed significantly to Yu’s knowledge and experience in relationship management. Other areas of specialization include international student recruitment and enrollment, strategic communication, immigration policies and procedures, data analysis and reporting, advising, and admissions.
Yu is an Assistant Director of International Enrollment Management at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. In addition, she previously served as an Assistant Director & China Regional Manager for International Admissions and Recruitment at the University of Albany, SUNY. Here, Yu holds both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in Economics. Yu is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese and intermediate in Shanghainese.
About the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC)
The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership association recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission as a Standards Development Organization (SDO). AIRC champions the interests of international students, educational institutions, and educational agencies through the development of professional standards and partnerships that advance effective and strategic practices in international enrollment management.