ell us about when you joined UVA. How did you get started working with international students?

Tanson: I joined the University of Virginia in 1993 and have spent nearly the entirety of my 30+ years at UVA in the International Studies Office.  I had worked previously as a college advisor. So, when this job opening became available, and due to the kindness of the ISO Director at the time, I started working as International Student and Scholar Advisor.  Working with our outstanding international community has been a privilege.

What are some of your key achievements at UVA?

Tanson: The University has made significant progress in its identity, mission, and intent to be understood as a truly global institution.  This has not always been the case. When I began, the ISO was only comprised of 5 people, the Director, 3 international advisors, and 1 study abroad advisor.  That would be inconceivable today and is a good measure of the progress we have made as a university.
I credit former President John Casteen with instigating this transformation in 1999 with his prescient 20/20 report.  He insisted that global education was an important pillar of any university that aspired to be among the world’s great institutions of higher education. 
The International Studies Office has been the engine that continues to drive this aspiration.  I have been fortunate to contribute to this work.  In 2015 NAFSA, the professional association of international educators, recognized UVA with the Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization, given to “institutions for overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced in practices, structures, philosophies, and policies.”