The Office of Global Affairs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln supported the relaunch of the International Student Advisory Board, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring international student voices remain central to the university’s global mission.
Representing a diverse cross-section of countries, academic programs and student experiences, the board serves as a direct connection between international students and university leadership.
The relaunch comes at a time when global engagement continues to be a defining strength of the university. the board plays a key role in supporting that work by fostering dialogue, identifying opportunities for improvement and helping ensure that international students are supported academically, socially and professionally throughout their time UNL.
“This relaunch reflects our commitment to listening, learning and partnering with our international students,” Maegan Stevens-Liska, assistant vice chancellor for Global Affairs, said. “ISAB provides a space for meaningful engagement, where students can share their perspectives and contribute to shaping a campus environment that supports their success.”
Throughout the semester, board members actively engaged with international students and Registered Student Organizations across campus. These efforts included outreach at campus events, conversations with student leaders and participation in gatherings that bring together global communities at Nebraska. By connecting directly with students, board members work to better understand student experiences and ensure those insights inform institutional priorities.
For ISAB president and doctoral student Euclides Brando Maluf of Brazil, the opportunity to serve reflects a broader commitment to community and collaboration.
“One moment that showed me the impact of student voices happened through my work with the College of Engineering’s Graduate Student Advisory Board back in 2025. I suggested creating a space where graduate students could present their research, receive feedback and improve their presentation skills before attending academic conferences,” Maluf said.
International student leaders are constantly thinking about how they can help create a stronger foundation for the next generation of students who come to Nebraska, Maluf added. A stronger bridge between RSOs and the Global Affairs office allows international students to feel more connected, supported and represented.
Undergraduate representative Thrisha Bhupathiraju of India echoed that perspective, noting the importance of representation and engagement.
"It’s a chance to bring my current experience as an international student into conversations that help shape the campus community,” Bhupathiraju said. “Moving to a different country is a massive adjustment, but it’s not just about the move for most.”
Bhupathiraju noted that having a seat at the table where important decisions affecting international students are made ensures that every student going through the process of moving to a new country is understood and addressed, so students feel supported, included and at home.
“We should feel like we’re part of the community, and that our experiences are genuinely reflected in the decisions that affect us,” Bhupathiraju said.
The board’s work is grounded in partnership with Global Affairs, and the International Student and Scholar Office. Through this collaboration, ISAB contributes to a more coordinated and responsive approach to supporting international students, while also advancing Nebraska’s broader global engagement efforts.
The 2025–2026 International Student Advisory Board reflects the global reach of the Nebraska student body. Members represent countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table:
- Daniel Adama – Ghana
- Oluwatosin Alabi – Nigeria
- Mohammed Alshibli – Syria
- Thrisha Bhupathiraju – India
- Euclides Brandao Maluf – Brazil
- Huy Le – Vietnam
- Kapil Mansinghani – India
- Omolola Okunola – Nigeria
- Omid Tarashtwal – Afghanistan
- Jun Terasawa – Japan
- Assoumpta Umwali Ujeneza – Rwanda
- Ela Velepec – Slovenia
- Swati Yadav – Nepal
As the board continues its work, its members remain focused on strengthening communication, expanding engagement and supporting a campus environment where international students can thrive.
Students interested in serving on the board or learning about upcoming events can learn more online.
