News

Amanda Connolly, who has been Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for the past four years, will be leaving Lehigh University this week accepting a new position as Executive Director of International Affairs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis, Tennessee.

Connolly joined Lehigh in May 2021, during the height of the pandemic, and played a key role in restoring in-person services and rebuilding support for international students. Her last day at Lehigh will be June 13.

Cheryl Matherly, Vice President & Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh, said Connolly has become a widely respected leader and expert on immigration and international student services over the past four years, known for her clarity, compassion, and commitment to student success.

“Amanda came to Lehigh at a particularly challenging moment for us, when international student support had been heavily disrupted by the pandemic,” Matherly said. “Her thoughtful leadership helped us navigate uncertainty and reestablish a strong foundation for serving our global community.”

“It has been my great pleasure to work with this incredible community of international students and scholars over the past four years,” Connolly said. “OISS was in a period of transition when I arrived, and it’s been very rewarding to see it grow into an office that I’ve been exceptionally proud to be a part of.”

The search for a new Director of OISS is already underway. S. Nichole Hunley, Associate Director of OISS, will serve as Acting Director until a permanent replacement is named.

During Connolly’s tenure, OISS has updated procedures and policies; gathered feedback from students, scholars, and departments to offer more relevant events and resources; and created an International Student Advisory Board.

OISS also worked with the Provost’s Office to implement a Permanent Residency Sponsorship policy for teaching and tenure-track faculty. Additionally, the office has redesigned many of its services to better meet the evolving needs of today’s international students and scholars.

“We have built strong connections with offices and departments across campus to ensure the entire Lehigh community has the tools to support the international student and scholar experience,” Connolly said. “OISS is staffed by incredible humans who care deeply about the success of our students and scholars.”

Matherly described Connolly as a tireless advocate for Lehigh’s international students, always centering their needs with integrity. She said she is proud to see Connolly take this next step in her professional journey.

“Amanda has become a trusted and respected voice across the university over these past four years,” Matherly said. “Her ability to translate complex policies into clear, actionable guidance has made her an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and staff alike.”

The OISS director position offers the opportunity to lead the immigration, compliance, and international student support services at a university committed to global engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and inclusive excellence.

As part of Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), OISS plays a central role in welcoming and supporting the international community on campus. For the 2023-24 academic year, Lehigh's international community included 1,791 students, scholars, and families, representing 91 countries.

The university’s international students contributed $62.3 million to the local economy last year, supporting over 690 jobs, according to NAFSA. The Director of OISS is a key member of the OIA leadership team and a highly visible leader across campus, playing an essential role in realizing the goals of Lehigh’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy for global excellence.