Dr. Roopa Rawjee, 

Director

roopa.rawjee@bridgew.edu

Roopa has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Indian Culture, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of Bombay, India. She then earned a Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from California State University, Northridge followed by a Doctorate in Education (Educational Leadership) from California Lutheran University.

Roopa is the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and the Responsible Officer (RO) for BSU. She is responsible for the oversight of International Student Services which includes the maintenance of international students' and scholar's SEVIS records, verifying and processing employment authorization, organizing International Student Orientation, workshops and co-curricular programs. Roopa supports the work of the Center for International Engagement through collaborative work on campus and in the community.

Roopa has travelled to Austria, Canada, China, England, Germany, Lebanon, Nepal, Scotland, Switzerland and the UAE.  She would like to travel to Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia and Sweden.

Karen Huntington

Assistant Director

karen.huntington@bridgew.edu

Karen Huntington earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Restaurant and Travel Administration in 1995 and a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2000.

Karen assists the director in ensuring the University's compliance with federal immigration laws and SEVIS regulations for hosting international students. She processes student changes in status within SEVIS, generates immigration forms and documents for students. She also provides guidance to students regarding immigration regulations and university policy.

Karen has travelled to Aruba, Mexico and the Virgin Islands. She wants to travel to Australia, England, Greece, Ireland and Italy.

Kara Thurston

Administrative Assistant

kara.thurston@bridgew.edu

Kara Thurston earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing from Bridgewater State College in 2010.

Kara is the receptionist for the Center for International Engagement. She responds to inquiries about International Student Services, Study Abroad and Global Studies. She also provides support to the Director of International Student Services.

Kara has travelled to Canada and Bermuda.  She would like to travel to Australia, Greece, Ireland, Spain & South Africa.

Jennifer Currie

Staff Assistant

jennifer.currie@bridgew.edu

Jennifer Currie earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English and Communications from Simmons College in Boston. 

 Jen is the Staff Assistant for the Minnock Center for International Engagement and works across all areas within the Center.  She works with both outgoing students who wish to study abroad and with incoming international students.  In regards to international student and scholar servicers her main responsibilities are around programming such as orientation, off-campus trips and on-campus events such as World Café.  Jen is also the advisor to BSU’s International Culture Club, an organization open to all BSU students. 

Jen has travelled to Canada, England, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.  She would like to go to Australia, Ireland, Italy, Puerto Rico. 

Jaimee Gardner

Graduate Assistant

j1gardner@student.bridgew.edu

Jaimee earned a Bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State College in Early Childhood Education in 2010.  Jaimee is currently working on a Master's Degree in Special Education.

She is responsible for assisting the International Student and Scholar Services staff during International Student Orientation, workshops, co-curricular activities, and daily office tasks.

Paulo Borges

Graduate Assistant

pborges@student.bridgew.edu

Paulo Borges earned a Bachelor's degree in Languages and Cultures with a concentration in English from the University of Cape Verde (UNCV) in 2010. He is currently working on a Master's degree in Arts in Teaching with concentration in English.

Paulo is a Graduate Assistant for International Student Services where he assists the staff with projects including World Café, Orientation and other co-curricular activities for our international students.