William Vittetoe, Director
Advisor and Faculty Hires wvitteto@utk.edu
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.
Elizabeth Clevenger, Assistant Director
Advisor and Faculty Hires elizabethc@utk.edu
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.
David Lawson
Advisor and J-1 Exchange Visitors dplawson@utk.edu
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.
Yevie Teyfukova
Advisor yevie@utk.edu
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.
Anna Kholod
Advisor akholod@utk.edu
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.
Morgan Owens
H-1B Advisor mowens48@utk.edu
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.
Cheryl Pile
Advisor and New Students cpile@utk.edu
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.
Josie Holder
Immigration Specialist josmhold@utk.edu
Josie is the Immigration Specialist 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.