Our team of staff fosters international education and citizenship by working with international students and faculty, supporting international initiatives, and helping students study abroad.

Abby Colbert | Assistant Counsel for Global Affairs | Instructor of Politics

Abby is an attorney admitted to practice in Tennessee and Massachusetts. She received her J.D. from the Boston University School of Law, her M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, and her B.A. in Art History from Haverford College. She is happy to use her many years of experience in non-profit immigration law to support Sewanee’s international community and global initiatives. Abby works primarily with faculty and staff immigration, student immigration, and legal affairs.

Andrea Del Balso, PDSO & RO | Associate Director

Andrea received her B.A. in Public Relations from Mississippi State University, and her M.Ed. from the University of Georgia. Since 2007, she has worked in higher education, both in student affairs and international education. She is committed to expanding students’ cultural horizons, fostering student growth and development, and empowering others to become well-rounded global citizens. Her primary focus areas include F-1 and J-1 student immigration, international student orientation, friendship families, international student advising, and study abroad advising.

Marcus Murphy, DSO & ARO | International Student Advisor | Chinese Programs Coordinator

After graduating from Sewanee in 2007, Marcus traveled to China to further develop his Mandarin language skills. While working and studying in China for four years, he received a Masters of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Qingdao University. His primary areas of focus are supporting international students, teaching Mandarin, developing China research opportunities, and supporting other global initiatives on campus. 

Tim Neil, C’13, DSO | International Enrollment Coordinator

Tim graduated from Sewanee with a B.A. in History in 2013. Since then, he’s worked in higher education specifically, admission and enrollment. Tim appreciates the global perspective that our students abroad can bring to Sewanee and plans to expand our reach each year. Tim's primary responsibilities in the Office include international admission and enrollment.

Shawnee Scissom | Study Abroad & Office Coordinator

Shawnee Scissom earned a B.S. in Service Management from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. She joined the staff of the Dean of the College in early 2015 leading to her position in the Office of Global Citizenship. Shawnee has developed a passion for helping students achieve their goals and serving as a source of support through all stages of study abroad. Her primary focus areas include advising study abroad students, study abroad administration and communication, faculty-Led program guidance, and study abroad program relations.

Scott Wilson, DSO & ARO | Assistant Provost for Global and Strategic Partnerships | Alfred Walter Negley Professor of Politics

Scott Wilson graduated from Oberlin College (BA) and Cornell University (PhD). Before joining the Office of Global Citizenship in 2016, he was a full-time faculty member of the Politics Department and Asian Studies Program. He is committed to expanding opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate in activities abroad so that they can be prepared to address global challenges. Scott works specifically with international partnerships, faculty-led programs, study abroad advising, and international scholarships.