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Meet our Team

A dark haired man wearing glasses stands in a navy blue suit and pink tieWilliam Vittetoe, Director

Advisor and Faculty Hires [email protected]

William serves as the Director of International Student and Scholar Services. He has worked in multiple areas of campus internationalization. His approach emphasizes a perspective that values campus partnerships, synergy of efforts, and the utilization of technical efficiencies in order to create the greatest level of personal access and support to students and scholars. His experience has taught him that the greatest support to students is the creation of meaningful and tangible relationships that guide and encourage them as they pursue their educational goals.


A woman wearing a red shirt and. blue sweater stands for a photoElizabeth Clevenger, Assistant Director

Advisor and Faculty Hires [email protected]

Elizabeth Clevenger is the Assistant Director in International Student and Scholar Services. She holds bachelor’s degrees in international relations and human development/family studies from Samford University and a master’s degree in intercultural studies/teaching English to speakers of other languages from Wheaton College. She has previous experience in international student/scholar advising and programming, international admissions, adult ESL, and international scholarship programs. Elizabeth is a native Tennessean who looks forward to welcoming students and scholars from around the world to beautiful East Tennessee. She enjoys trying new recipes, kayaking, and reading.


A man in a powder blue shirt and dark glasses stands for a photo

David Lawson

Advisor and J-1 Exchange Visitors [email protected]

David is a coordinator in International Student and Scholar Services with primary responsibility for the J scholar program and advising F and J students. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from East Tennessee State University and a master’s in counseling from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. David is originally from Maryville, Tennessee. After his undergraduate degree he lived in Nairobi, Kenya, for two years. He believes that personal intercultural contact presents a great opportunity for a richer self-understanding and expanding one’s horizon.


A dark haired lady wearing a white shirt and green jacket stands for a photo

Yevie Teyfukova

Advisor [email protected]

Yevie is the Immigration Audit & Compliance Lead in International Student and Scholar Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Slavic Languages and Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Yevie also holds a master’s in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Originally from the former Soviet Union, she has studied in Russia and has traveled extensively throughout Russia, Eastern Europe, and Israel. Yevie enjoys learning languages, exploring new countries and cultures, and supporting international students throughout their time in the US.


A dirty blonde lady wearing a white shirt and black jacket stands for a photoAnna Kholod

Advisor [email protected]

Anna is a coordinator in International Student and Scholar Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature with minors in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Psychology, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Lee University. Anna has previous experience working in higher education, family law, and adult ESL. Originally from Ukraine, Anna enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and learning about different cultures. Anna looks forward to welcoming students from around the world and supporting them throughout their time in the US.


A dirty blonde woman wearing a green shirt stands for a photoMorgan Owens

H-1B Advisor [email protected]

Morgan is a coordinator in International Student and Scholar Services. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M University and subsequently completed a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee. She has previous experience in education and international development and is committed to cross-cultural exchange and global engagement.


A brunette woman in a white shirt and black jacket stands for a photoCheryl Pile

Advisor and New Students [email protected]

Cheryl Pile is the New Student and Special Programs Coordinator at the International Student and Scholar Services.  She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, from UC Berkeley and a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University.  She has traveled extensively and lived abroad multiple times.  She previously ran programs that helped individuals and families adapt and thrive as they moved to various locations around the world.   She is enthusiastic about helping incoming students and their families as they start their experience at UTK as international students.


A short haired blonde woman wearing a orange and white stripped shirt stands for a photoJosie Holder

Advisor [email protected]

Josie is an advisor for the International Students and Scholars Services team. She is from Knoxville and graduated with her B.A. in Spanish Language in Literature from UTK in 2023 after completing a yearlong study abroad experience in Costa Rica. Josie has experience in student advising and higher education systems from her previous role as a College Adviser with the Carolina College Advising Corps in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, reading, and photography.