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K-State Today

October 8, 2019

Sara Thurston elected to second term on NAFSA's board of directors

Submitted by Mary K. Pyle

Sara Thurston, director of international student and scholar services at Kansas State University, was recently elected to serve her second third-year term on NAFSA's board of directors.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's interconnected world.

The nominees for the leadership positions have been elected by the membership-at-large, according to Diana Carlin, secretary, board of directors and chair, Governance Committee. 

"I am pleased that Sara will continue to be a part of this impressive group of leaders who will begin service in January 2020 for three more years," Carlin said. "They work hard to advance the strategic plan and the work on behalf of the association. Sara represents a member leader who has worked for NAFSA in a variety of volunteer positions and represents members who are doing the hands-on work with international students. Thurston's perspective is valuable to our board's discussion in moving the association forward."

"I am so excited to continue to serve NAFSA," Thurston said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the board for the last three years and look forward to the next three years. International education is my passion and I love helping to shape the strategic direction of the association."

Thurston has more than 20 years of professional experience in international education, including the last nearly 12 years at K-State. Thurston's past involvement with NAFSA includes presenting on numerous topics, mentoring and serving in the Trainer Corps and on the Leadership Development and Membership Committees. Thurston served on the Annual Conference Committee as poster chair, workshop coordinator, and content chair. 

Thurston has a doctorate in higher education administration from Loyola University Chicago.