The Division of Global Engagement proudly announces the hiring of Lacey Long-Vejar as the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services. With a strong background of over 15 years of leadership experience in international education and a dedication to the field of international education, she steps into the role poised to enhance services and support provided to international students, faculty, and scholars at UC Santa Cruz.
Overseeing the international student advising team as well as serving as the lead scholar advisor for J-1 and H-1Bs, Long-Vejar is keenly aware of the challenges faced by international populations who are navigating unfamiliar academic and professional landscapes. Her mission is to ensure that every international member of our community finds success here and thrives personally, feeling welcomed and assisted every step of the way.
“We are excited to welcome Lacey to the Division of Global Engagement to lead international services,” said Executive Director of Global Mobility Alice Michel. “Her passion for international education and global collaboration aligns perfectly with our divisional mission and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on the international student and scholar experience on our campus.”
Long-Vejar’s journey to this role has been marked by a series of achievements and contributions to the field of international education. From 2007-2018, she served in leadership roles for Kaplan and Talk English Schools; as a School Director and later as the National Compliance Officer/ PDSO for Talk, supervising 19 DSOs in eight locations and overseeing academic operations nationwide. Before coming to UC Santa Cruz, Long-Vejar served as the International Student Visa Specialist at UC Merced.
“I am thrilled to join such a vibrant international services team in the Division of Global Engagement at UC Santa Cruz,” said Long-Vejar. “I believe that by fostering a supportive environment for international students and scholars, we will help meaningful relationships and world-changing discoveries flourish at UC Santa Cruz.”