Michigan Language Assessment staff from across the organization attended NAFSA 2025 in San Diego, California, from May 27 to May 31, to connect with colleagues, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to ongoing conversations about the future of international education. Throughout the week, they engaged with both long-standing partners and new contacts. The event brought together global professionals committed to expanding access to high-quality international learning experiences. The team included:
- Audrey Bridgers, MS – business development and recognition manager
- Dr. Fernando Fleurquin – special advisor, government relations and education
- Geoff Moody, MBA – director of marketing and business development
- Julie Monteiro de Castro, MPP – senior business development and recognition manager
MET x NAFSA: A Pin with a Purpose The team agrees that their favorite moment was seeing attendees receive the official NAFSA 2025 conference pin, which was proudly sponsored by MET. We partnered with NAFSA to help bring this tradition to life and show our shared commitment to global learning. Each pin came with a little card highlighting our support.
Welcome to Our Newest Recognizing Organizations! We’re excited to officially welcome Green River College, Illinois State University, and Ventura County Community College District as our newest Recognizing Organizations! It was a joy to meet during the conference and see their enthusiasm for supporting international students with accessible, high-quality English testing options.
- Green River College, based in Auburn, Washington, spans over 180 acres of forested campus space and also operates branch locations in downtown Auburn, Kent, and Enumclaw. Known for its welcoming international programs and vibrant student life (including their mascot, Slater the Gator), the college offers strong transfer pathways and technical programs.
- Illinois State University is located in Normal, Illinois, and is the state’s oldest public university. With a strong focus on teaching and student success, it offers more than 160 undergraduate programs and is consistently ranked among the top universities for graduating teachers. The campus blends historic charm with modern amenities, and its vibrant community is known for traditions like Festival ISU and Reggie Redbird, the spirited campus mascot.
- Ventura County Community College District includes Ventura College, Moorpark College, and Oxnard College, three schools serving approximately 30,000 students across the region. Ventura College boasts a stunning hillside campus overlooking the Channel Islands, and Moorpark College is home to California’s only public exotic animal training program and observatory.
It is inspiring to see how these schools continue to support diverse, globally-minded students across their campuses. Michigan Language Assessment left NAFSA feeling inspired and grateful for the conversations, the connections, and the continued certainty that international experiences matter.