Shuhui Lin, international student support and engagement coordinator in International Programs and the Division of Student Life, was recently recognized with the University of Iowa Outstanding Staff Award.

The award recognizes UI staff members who have made significant contributions—above-and-beyond typical job responsibilities—that benefit the University.

Lin holds a joint appointment in both International Programs and the Division of Student Life. In these roles, she advocates for international students by increasing awareness of the many contributions they make to the campus community and by building collaborations across campus to create programming and resources that meet the needs of international students—particularly during the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The past few years have been difficult for international students on a number of levels,” said Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean, International Programs. “The pandemic, coupled with political uncertainty, has left many international students feeling isolated or, in some cases, persecuted. Lin, has worked tirelessly to provide safe spaces for international students not just to express themselves, but to take action.”

Reflecting on Lin’s support during the pandemic, Redwan Bin Abdul Baten, PhD student in health services and policy and former graduate co-chair of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), commented, “Lin initiated shared governance meetings to address the concerns of international students and was able to bring together several stakeholders from across the campus. Her extraordinary efforts led to the creation of several important projects that served to address international student concerns amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. She was able to leverage her networking capabilities in other situations such as addressing the anti-Asian hate crimes, navigating issues such as racial justice or political unrest, etc.”

Mishma Nixon, undergraduate student in English and creative writing and former undergraduate chair of ISAB, feels that virtually all international students have benefitted from Lin’s leadership and mentorship. “…it would not be an understatement to claim that every international student on campus has had a substantial interaction with Lin that had somehow shaped or influenced their college career,” said Mishma. “It is so rare to meet an administrator who takes such personal care about the students she mentors and talks to and continues to advocate for the students in various platforms and capacities.”

To learn more about Lin and other faculty and staff award winners, click here.