Shannon Bedo, past Chair

Shannon Bedo is the Director of International and Veteran Student Services at Houston Christian University, where she leads efforts for recruiting, admissions, immigration, and programming for the international and veteran student population. She has previously served at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A&M University, as well as in the private sector. She has a Masters of Agricultural Education and a Bachelors of Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University, where she also studied abroad in both Vietnam and Tunisia. Shannon is an active member of NAFSA and the Trainer Corps, currently serving as the dean of F-1 Beyond the Basics e-learning course, and was on the chair stream of the Houston Forum from 2018-2020. She is also the Chair-Elect for Study Texas, serving on the Board since 2018. Shannon was named NAFSA’s 2020 Advocate of the Year and is actively involved in educating Congressional representatives and their staff on issues important to international education. She currently serves on NAFSA’s Region III Leadership Team as the Advocacy Representative.

heather catton, at-large

Heather Catton is the Director of the Office of International Programs at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). She oversees international student recruitment and services, study abroad programs, and on-campus internationalization activities. She has been involved in international education as an exchange student in France, Tunisia, and Indonesia and as an English teacher in Taiwan, and has also worked in Washington, DC and abroad with an international NGO focusing on health practices and social marketing. She has been at SFA for 24 years, the last 17 with international programs, first as an ESL instructor and currently as director. She earned a master’s degrees in French and southeast Asia Studies from Ohio University.

REBECCA Lenz, AT LARGE

Rebecca Kehe is the Director of International Student Services at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where she conducts recruiting, admissions, immigration, and other student services for UMHB’s international student community. Prior to her role at UMHB, she has worked in international education roles at California State University - San Bernardino, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and Southeast Missouri State University. She holds a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Global Studies from Southeast Missouri State University.

Zion lashua, at large

Zion Lashua serves as an International Recruiter and Communications Coordinator at the University of the Incarnate Word where he conducts international recruitment and operates many of the university's online communication channels. Before working in higher education, Zion worked as an event coordinator for a circus entertainment company in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his Bachelor's in History from The University of San Diego, and his Masters in Classics and Ancient History from the University of Exeter, as well as studied abroad in Italy, Indonesia, and Greece. 

jessica miller, at large

Jessica Miller is the Manager of Partnerships and Outreach for Honors and International Education at Lone Star College in Houston, Texas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and her Master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. In her role, she develops strategic partnerships, leads initiatives to support students, and fosters meaningful cross-cultural learning experiences.

Norma vallejo, at large

Norma Vallejo holds the position of Assistant Director of International Student Services at Texas Wesleyan University. In this role, she serves as the PDSO and oversees various responsibilities, including advising and orientation, recruitment and admission efforts, as well as study abroad programs for the student community. 

Norma earned her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University. She has been actively involved in the field of international education since 2010 and is an active member of NAFSA. Currently, she is part of NAFSA's Region III Leadership Team and has been serving on the Study Texas Board since 2024.

Daniela mirabal, at large

Daniela Mirabal is the Assistant Director of International Student Services and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). She ensures compliance with immigration regulations, supports F-1 and J-1 visa holders, and leads marketing initiatives for the Global Engagement Center. Originally from Venezuela, Daniela’s migration to the United States sparked her passion for fostering diverse and inclusive spaces. She holds a Bachelor of Science in University Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating cum laude after studying abroad in Barcelona, and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at SHSU. She is pursuing her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership at SHSU. Active in professional development, Daniela serves as Secretary for the Board of Study Texas, and Texas State Liaison (South) for NAFSA Region III. Her dedication to leadership, cultural advocacy, and global engagement fuels her commitment to advancing international education.

miranda pruitt, at large

Miranda Pruitt serves as the Lead International Admissions Counselor at Texas Tech University (TTU), where she supports international student recruitment, admissions, and enrollment initiatives. A lifelong Red Raider, Miranda has dedicated more than 11 years to the field of international higher education, with extensive experience in undergraduate admissions, global recruitment strategies, and application processing for the TTU Costa Rica Campus.

Miranda’s passion for international education and cultural exchange is rooted in her upbringing in a multicultural family, which includes her three siblings from Ethiopia. This background fostered her deep commitment to diversity, global engagement, and expanding educational opportunities for students worldwide.

She holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Italian, all from TTU.  Miranda is honored to serve as President of Study Texas and looks forward to advancing the organization’s mission to promote Texas as a premier destination for international education.

Sebastian Fuentes, at large

Sebastian Fuentes is the Associate Director of Graduate and International Recruitment at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he leads strategic initiatives to support graduate and international enrollment. In his role, he oversees global recruitment partnerships, marketing and communications strategies, and data-informed enrollment planning to attract and support diverse, high-quality students.

Sebastian has worked at UTA for more than 18 years in a variety of enrollment management and recruitment roles, building experience in admissions operations, data analysis, and graduate recruitment strategy. Throughout his career, he has collaborated closely with academic colleges, university leadership, and international partners to align recruitment initiatives with institutional goals.

He holds a Master of Arts in History and bachelor’s degrees in History and English from the University of Texas at Arlington. Sebastian is committed to advancing international education and supporting initiatives that strengthen Texas institutions’ global engagement through his service on the Study Texas Board.