The International Center is pleased to welcome two new members to its staff.

Cole Gallagher is serving as an international scholar adviser. He is a Mizzou graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, a minor in Japanese and a multicultural certificate. During his undergraduate program, he worked as a Japanese language tutor, Ellis Library circulation associate, pathobiology research assistant and a student worker in the Asian Affairs Center. Growing up in a military family, he had the chance to travel and live in many different countries and developed a passion for cultural exchange. He hopes to visit more than 50 countries by the time he is 30. Besides traveling during his childhood, Cole studied abroad for a semester in Japan during his studies at Mizzou.

Tonya Veltrop joins the center as assistant director of international health, safety and security. She has worked in the field of international education for more than 20 years and has enjoyed experience in a variety of areas including student recruitment, international student/immigration advising, student success, international program development, study abroad and many more. Throughout her career, she has focused on student health and well-being. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business and (fashion) marketing/public relations. Tonya is a longtime member of NAFSA: The Association of International Educators and has served as NAFSA Region IV chair, member of the Leadership Cultivation Subcommittee, poster fair co-organizer and conference volunteer with the NAFSA Career Center. She is an active member of PULSE: Higher Education International Health and Safety Professionals, the Global Leadership League, the U.S. Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council’s Academia Working Group and Women in Security group.