Torres Named Director of Sponsored Students and Special Programs

Mayra Torres has been named director of the Office of Sponsored Students and Special Programs effective, following more than a decade with the office and a year as interim director.

In her role, Torres leads the office's efforts to recruit, support and graduate sponsored students at the U of A. In addition, Torres leads the recruiting efforts regarding sponsored students and scholars by working with sponsoring agencies, institutions, ministries and countries. She also works with campus units to matriculate sponsored students into degree programs and support the unique needs of sponsored students through graduation.

"I'm thrilled to be stepping into this role," Torres said. "My parents are from Mexico, so I grew up navigating two cultures, which is why I identify strongly with the experiences of international students. Working with other international students has always been something I've enjoyed, and I'm excited to keep learning from these students and helping internationalize our campus."

The director role for Torres is a culmination of nearly a decade spent working in the office as its associate director, where she directed a grant-funded pathway program for underrepresented students, managed the inbound exchange program and coordinated the implementation of pre-academic programs for undergraduate international students, among other duties.

For the past year, Torres has served as the interim director and has worked to enhance the sponsored student experience by streamlining the admissions process and improving communications. She has also focused on strengthening the university's sponsored student programs to support continued enrollment growth and broaden access for students from around the world.

"That's a big goal - everything is around that student experience," she said. "I think working with students directly, it really helps us understand what the student struggles are and making sure we have a seamless experience from application through arrival and all the way to graduation."

"It was a pleasure working with Mayra this past year in her interim role, as well as her previous years as associate director," said Lindsey Aloia, associate dean for international education in GSIE. "Her dedication to supporting sponsored students, building strong international partnerships and enhancing the student experience is evident in every aspect of her work. Mayra is a thoughtful, collaborative leader whose passion for international education and student success makes her exceptionally well suited for this role. I look forward to seeing the continued impact of her leadership on our campus and the students we serve."

Prior to her work at the university, Torres worked as a recruiter and advisor with Crowder College, where she recruited and served as student adviser for prospective migrant students. She also served as a social work intern for Rogers Public Schools.

Torres holds an associate degree in general studies from Crowder College, a bachelor's degree in social work from Pittsburg State University and a master's degree in social work from the U of A.