Maria M. Fletcher, Director International Programs Office, PDSO, RO

While growing up in Trinidad and Tobago and studying in the U.S., Maria developed a passion for international education, culture and languages. Maria attended Howard University and decided to pursue a career in higher education in the U.S. She has over 20 years of senior administrative experience, and has been at ISU since 2007, and could not imagine working anywhere else.

• Favorite song/music genre: Brazilian, Calypso and Reggae music.
• Favorite part of job: The job - wonderful people - students, scholars, and co-workers
• Favorite color: Yellow
• Favorite movie: The Godfather
• Lifelong dream: To travel the world

Shawn T. Bascom, International Student Advisor/SEVIS Coordinator, DSO, ARO

Shawn was raised in the high dessert of southern California, but has lived in Idaho since 1992 and considers Pocatello "home". He has a wife and three boys. Shawn gained an appreciation and love for international education while attending Idaho State University. He received his bachelors degree from ISU in 2006 and has been working at ISU for over 10 years. He is currently an International Student Advisor and thoroughly enjoys watching and helping international students succeed in their pursuit of higher education.

• Favorite song/music genre: Classical and Country
• Favorite part of job: Role as advisor in the International Student Association
• Favorite color: Blue
• Favorite movie: Any adreneline inducing movie...suspense, action, etc. BBC dramas are great too!
• Lifelong dream: To travel the world and to raise my boys to be successful, contributing members of society.

Omar A. Raudez, International Recruiter/Study Abroad Coordinator

Omar was born in Esteli, Nicaragua and came to the United States at the age of six. He has lived in Houston, Texas and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a young boy, Omar and his family constantly traveled to Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and Spain. In 2006, Omar began his studies at Idaho State University majoring in General Studies with a strong emphasis in the Performing Arts. He has represented Idaho State University at the Regional and National American College Dance Conference for three consecutive years. Omar is highly involved with student organizations on campus, and believes that mentoring others is the key for students to succeed.

In 2008 Omar joined the International Programs Office and found his passion in international recruitment education. Currently he focuses on international recruitment services and study abroad and has a passion for languages and culture. Since joining the International Programs Office Omar knows he has found his true calling and could not imagine working anywhere else. “I fell in love with Idaho State University when I stood on the top of Red Hill and saw the Mountains”.

• Favorite song/music genre: Jazz, Blues, Salsa, Merengue, Dance, Electronic, Come on, I love to dance. I love it all!
• Favorite part of job: When I see the International students arrive to ISU and how appreciative they are to be at ISU.
• Favorite color: Green and Blue
• Favorite movie: Anything that makes me laugh
• Lifelong dream: Travel the world, live to be 100 years old, and never stop learning from those around me.

Jesse Kiboko, Immigration Advisor/Coordinator, DSO

Jesse came to Idaho State University after serving thousands of international students and refugees from more than hundred different countries. He Joined the International Program Office in June 2011. His professional career includes extensive experience in international students advising on immigration issues, and academic advising. He has enjoyed working with current and new international students and helping them make the transition to this great University.

Jesse is excited to be one of the newest International Programs Office staff member at Idaho State University in Pocatello where beautiful mountains meet heaven. When not advising students at work, Jesse enjoys watching basketball, football, and soccer.

Should you have any questions or just want to say hello, his office is always open to students. He always wants international students to know that they are in good hands at ISU; hopes you enjoy your experience as a Bengal, and looks forward to helping students.

Outside of professional interests, he travels widely; he tries to play basketball, and volleyball, soccer, and guitar.

• Favorite song/music genre: Country, Reggae, Rumba
• Favorite part of job:
• Favorite color: Beige, Dark Red and Navy Blue
• Favorite movie: Left Behind You - please watch it
• Lifelong dream:

Bridget M. Close, IPO Administrative Assistant

Bridget was born in California and lived there for 5 years until she her family had the opportunity to live in Germany and England due to her father's enrollment in the Air force. While she lived in Europe her family took the opportunity to travel to Israel and France. In 2001 Bridget began her studies at Idaho State University majoring in Theatre with a Minor in Dance followed by a Master of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Directing and Acting. Bridget has represented Idaho State University at the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association as well as the Regional and National American College Dance Conferences. Bridget currently serves her community as Vice President and Board Member of the Old Town Actors Studio community theater. She believes a healthy and happy community is maintained by involvement in creative community projects, service and activities.

In the late summer of 2011 Bridget joined the International Programs Office. She has enjoyed serving International Students and feels privileged to be part of their educational journey and life changing experiences. She has so much respect for the students who have taken the initiative to expand their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world and all it has to offer. "It is my hope that students native to Idaho, take advantage of the Study Abroad Program here at ISU, there is no better way to gain a higher education as well as love and respect for other cultures around the world."

• Favorite song/music genre: Laura Marling's - Sophia, Tom Waits, Scissor Sisters, Miles Davis, World Music, David Bowie, The Band, Slumdog Millionare soundtrack, Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchel, Ingrid Michaelson, Feist, Mozart, Maria Callous, Broadway Show Tunes.... and more!
• Favorite part of job: Meeting the International Students and learning about their cultures.
• Favorite color: Purple, Grey, Black, anything that sparkles....Yellow too.
• Favorite movie: Amelie, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Wall-e, Slumdog Millionaire, Spirited Away and more.
• Lifelong dream: To live in the moment and dance till I die.

Gene H Denning, International Admissions Specialist

Gene, a native of southeastern Idaho, moved to Las Vegas, Nevada early in life. He studied electronic engineering technology and worked at the Nevada Test Site for 17 years. Gene has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from National University, San Diego. He began working in the Human Resources department and became the Information Systems administrator. He was then recruited as a consultant to implement HR and Payroll systems, traveling mainly in the mid-west. Returning to Idaho, Gene began a new career at Idaho State University. He has worked in the admissions field for over 8 years. Currently, he is the admissions specialist in the International Programs Office.

• Favorite song/music genre: Wide variety, including classical, easy jazz and soft rock
• Favorite part of job: Working with International students and co-workers. It’s fun to be part of International Programs office.
• Favorite color: Brown
• Favorite movie: Adventures and old classics
• Lifelong dream: To have a close family that loves to be together with each other (and especially be able to spend time with the grand children as they grow up)