Karen Edwards, Assistant Dean and Director
Karen leads the OISA team and works collaboratively with other offices to develop programs and services to support our international population. She is available by appointment and advises international students on immigration and other regulatory challenges - as well as cross-cultural adjustment issues, personal emergencies, financial challenges, and other topics. Karen serves as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for Grinnell College, providing oversight for the institution's SEVIS compliance.

Brenda Strong, Technical Assistant II
Brenda serves as our office manager and is the main source for external communications. She is available to see students by appointment to discuss immigration processes and SEVIS records for F-1 visas, as well as to process off-campus employment authorization applications. She is authorized to sign I-20s and DS-2019s.

Hanna L. Armstrong, Academic and International Advisor
Hanna splits her time between the OISA and the Office of Academic Advising. She coordinates the tutoring program, and supports students with a variety of academic challenges. Hanna is also a resource for issues of cross cultural adjustment and personal concerns, and provides additional support to Language Assistants, Global Nomads, and Exchange Students.

Eric Vos, Residence Life Coordinator
Eric works as a Residence Life Coordinator with Main, Cleveland & James Residence Halls and the Language & Project Houses. Eric also works with the OISA, advising the International Student Organization (ISO) and coordinating requests through the International Speakers Bureau (ISB).

MQ Park '10, Student Liaison
MQ Park is a senior, originally from Seoul, South Korea. He is in his second year as the OISA Student Liaison, working to support our office mission. He helps us with a variety of tasks, including the newsletter and special programs. He is also a resource for you! If you would like to share your perspectives with our office, but would prefer a student ear to an administrative ear, feel free to reach out to MQ!