Contact Us

Professional Staff

Margaret Wiedenhoeft headshot

Dr. Margaret Wiedenhoeft
pronouns: she/her/hers
Executive Director
email for appt: margaret.wiedenhoeft@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • Kalamazoo-sponsored programs in Germany (Erlangen), Kenya & Thailand
  • Australia, England, Germany (Lüneburg), Greece, Hungary, Italy, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland
  • Faculty-led study abroad programs
  • Institutional Partnership Development
  • CIP policies and procedures
  • Risk management and safety
  • Study abroad grade reports

Dr. Wiedenhoeft holds a BA in International Studies from Emory University, an MBA in International Business from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D from Western Michigan University. Margaret has been at K for more than 20 years and at one time or another has performed just about every job there is to do in the CIP. Currently she coordinates the Kalamazoo study abroad programs in Erlangen, Caceres, Nairobi and Dakar, and also works with faculty interested in developing short-term courses abroad. Margaret’s interest and passion for international education began with her experience living, working and studying in Berlin, Germany for four years. Professional interests include promoting non-traditional study abroad sites, short-term study abroad programming, international service learning projects, and conducting research about the impact and  experience of study abroad on U.S. college students.


Alayna Lewis headshot

Alayna Lewis, MPA
pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Director for International Students
& Study Abroad in the Americas
Make an appointment with Alayna
alayna.lewis@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • International student orientation and activities
  • F-1 and J-1 Visa regulations
  • Study abroad programs in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean & Spain (Madrid)

Alayna holds a BA in Spanish and Political Science as well as an undergraduate certificate in Latin American & Caribbean Studies from Michigan State University and an MPA in International Development Studies from Cornell University. Her passion for study abroad came from a trip to Spain while she was in high school and her own undergraduate experience studying abroad in Mexico.  Alayna enjoys learning about different cultures and looks forward to working with all of the international students at K.


Lizbeth Mendoza Pineda headshot

Lizbeth Mendoza Pineda, M.A.
pronouns: she/her/hers
Assistant Director
Make an appointment with Lizbeth
lizbeth.pineda@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • Advisor for study abroad programs in: Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Cuba
  • Oversee HILL grant travel logistics and budget reconciliation
  • Coordination of the Sherbin Fellowship
  • Logistical support for faculty-led program

Lizbeth graduated from Kalamazoo College with a BA in Mathematics in 2016 College and has an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University. She worked supporting international students at K for 5 years and is looking forward to working on a different area of international education.


Abosede Odukoya

Abosede Odukoya, M.A.
pronouns: she/her/hers
Study Abroad & International Student Advisor
abosede.odukoya@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • Advisor for study abroad programs in: Brazil, Colombia, France, Sénégal & Jordan
  • F/J student Coordinator and Advisor
  • International student orientation and activities

Abosede holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from University of Sunderland United Kingdom and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Western Michigan University. Before joining the CIP, Abosede has worked as an English as a Second Language teacher and a Business Development Manager for schools in Nigeria and Malaysia. She is passionate about students’ success and creation/ implementation of strategies that promote inclusive culture in educational settings. She loves cooking, dancing, traveling and listening to music. She looks forward to working with both domestic and International students.

Kelly K. Cip Administrative Manager

Kelly Kribs, A.A
pronouns: she/her/hers
Administrative Manager
kelly.kribs@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • Student stipends and scholarships
  • Visa applications and health insurance for study abroad
  • Daily administrative tasks for the CIP

Kelly has an Associates degree in accounting from Kalamazoo Valley. She has worked at K for over 17 years in a variety of roles including food service and the Mail and Copy Center. She is passionate about making sure students take advantage of all the great things K has to offer. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching and following her favorite team, the Detroit Lions. 


NaShera Sutton headshot

NaShera Sutton, BBA
pronouns: she/her/hers
Operations Coordinator
nashera.sutton@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • Maintains CIP website
  • Maintains Hornet Passport online application system
  • Designs print and electronic materials, presentations and online orientations
  • Operations and program support of orientation, reintegration, and ICRP programs

NaShera has a BBA from Western Michigan University and an Associate’s Degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She brings an array of great organizational skills to K. Born in Detroit, NaShera enjoys cooking a variety of  dishes, traveling, and she has a passion for the sport of fencing. She is interested in learning new languages.


Colin Johnson

Colin Johnson
pronouns: He/him/his
Hornet Hub Coordinator
colin.johnson@kzoo.edu

Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
  • Maintains the Hornet Hub and the atmosphere of CIP spaces
  • Answers or directs general questions, comments, concerns, excitements, etc
  • Provides support for office staff and students

Colin has recently graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Community College with a degree in Sociology and plans to get his bachelors degree soon. He has lived all over west Michigan and loves to explore the states beauty. His professional interests is helping students reach their full potential and removing barriers to success.

Student Staff

Peer Advisors (PAs)

Silvia Gaete Lagos

Hi everyone! I’m Silvia. I’m from Chile and currently a Junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Theatre. I studied abroad in England and Costa Rica during High School. In my free time I like going to parks, singing, acting, and volunteering in downtown Kalamazoo. If you have questions about study abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s hang out, grab some coffee, and chat about opportunities abroad!

Megan Walczak

Hey everyone! My name is Megan Walczak and I’m a senior double majoring in Psychology and French with a concentration in Community & Global Health. I did a long-term study abroad program in Lyon, France and absolutely loved it! I enjoy spending time with my friends, singing, and staying busy! I would love to talk with you to help answer any questions regarding study abroad. I am so fortunate for my experience and would really enjoy assisting you to have an amazing experience as well! Set up an appointment with me, I’d love to chat!

Vivian S

Vivian Schmidt

Hey! My name is Vivian Schmidt and I’m a junior majoring in Biology and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. In the Fall of 2023, I did a short-term study abroad program in Budapest, Hungary and fell in love with the city and the culture. In my free time, I enjoy playing lacrosse, hanging out with friends, and singing. I’m happy to discuss all things study abroad and answer any questions you might have. My study abroad experience was life-changing and a time that I will never forget. I hope that I can help make it the same for others! Let’s chat!

Alex Q

Alex Quesada

Hi everyone! My name is Alex Quesada and I am currently a Junior double majoring in Psychology and Business. I did a long-term study abroad program in Madrid, Spain. The program helped me understand the importance of interpersonal relationships, community involvement, and the power of a second language. If you have any questions about study abroad, Europe, or the best views in Madrid, schedule a meeting! 


International Student Peer Mentor

Huin Lee
My name is Huin and I am a Junior from South Korea. I was originally born and raised in Sydney, Australia but I had the chance to live and explore other countries like Korea, India and Nepal as well. I am a Biology major with a minor in Studio Arts. I love traveling, photography, and watching classic short films. I also appreciate a wide range of music genres, with my favorite artists being Bruno Major, indigo la End and Daniel Caesar. I hope to share my experience at K with everyone and get to know more people on campus as well!


International Student Services Intern

Hyunwoo Kim
Hello, my name is Hyunwoo Kim and I am from Seoul, South Korea. I am a senior majoring in Business. I am a big fan of soccer; I enjoy both watching and playing it. Coming into the states for school was definitely a big change in my life and also a big chance of personal growth. I can’t wait to share my experience and assist you working for the Center for International Programs!


CIP Front Desk Assistant

Char


Char Nieberding
Hey, my name is Char Nieberding and I’m one of the people who sits at the front desk. I’m a senior majoring in history and German with a passion for all things fantastical. I love to write, draw, and read, and am a huge nerd. I was fortunate enough to study abroad through K and would love to chat about the CIP and how it can help you!


Raven's Photo


Raven Medina
Hello! My name is Raven Medina and I’m a first year. I’m from Grand Rapids, and I’m very interested in studying Linguistics and Philosophy. I love many genres of music and ink drawings. I play both cello and piano, and some of my favorite composers are Shostakovich, Chopin, and Liszt. I can’t wait to help you at the CIP!