Meet the Staff | Study Abroad

Administration
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	University of South Alabama Office of International Education 390 Student Center Circle, 2300 Meisler Hall Mobile, AL 36688 USA	(251) 460-7053 intledu@southalabama.edu
	Bri Ard, Ph.D. Bri Ard, Ph.D. Bio: Dr. Bri Ard is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at the University of South Alabama, where her key responsibilities include collaborating with faculty and administrators to expand and support study abroad and exchange programs, providing the university’s chief international officer advice on strategies for internationalization of campus, assisting faculty and other personnel to advance international travel and facilitate cross-collaborations. Bri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Tulane University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Instructional Design from the University of South Alabama. Bri has traveled to 40+ countries and lived abroad twice, once as an English teacher in Ilsan, Korea and most recently on a Fulbright Fellowship to Bucharest, Romania. She loves reading (mostly fiction), running (mostly slowly), and every dog she has ever met. Favorite destination: Mongolia Next on her list: Everywhere Executive Director, Global Engagement	(251) 460-7053 bard@southalabama.edu
	Jan Dominique Santos Jan Dominique Santos Bio: Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and sign language. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends. Quote: It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find within the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true! Favorite destination: Indonesia Next on her list: Australia and the United Kingdom Director, International Education & Study Abroad	(251) 414-8132 jdsantos@southalabama.edu
	Marilyn Black, International Programs Assistant	marilynblack@southalabama.edu

Advisors

	Syliah Neely-Brown Syliah Neely-Brown Bio: Syliah is an Education Abroad Advisor and a recent graduate of South Alabama. Syliah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern and Classical Languages with concentrations in both French and Spanish. While attending South, Syliah served as editor and Social Media Chair for the Chi Omega Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages, and received PSI’s Dr. Santiago Vilas Scholarship. She is also a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, which allowed her to study virtually with Dr. Pettway in Argentina and also led to her being accepted in the TAPIF program, where she taught English in Nice, France for an academic year. Syliah is an avid travel and culture enthusiast and wants to promote traveling to everyone, regardless of background. In her free time, Syliah enjoys reading fantasy and dystopian novels, watching horror films/romcoms and collecting POP figures. Fun Fact/Quote: Syliah loves living her life at the mercy of fortune cookies. Her last fortune cookie read “A woman who aspires to be equal to a man lacks ambition.” She would share her lucky numbers but she’s hoping to win the lottery. Favorite Destination: Nice, France or Porto, Portugal Next Destination: Brazil, Senegal, Ghana Education Abroad Advisor II Advises on general study abroad inquiries, inbound exchange programs, faculty-led programs, non-affiliated programs	(251) 461-1934 syliahneely@southalabama.edu
	Mekaela Lane Mekaela Lane Bio: Mekaela recently graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a minor in Marketing. During her time at South, her study abroad experiences were some of the highlights of her 4 years. Mekaela studied abroad as an exchange student in South Korea and went on two faculty-led programs. Through her time abroad she had the opportunity to experience different cultures, understand new perspectives, and learn more about herself. Her studies abroad sparked her passion for international education and inspired her to help students have their own life-changing experiences abroad. In Mekaela’s free time, she likes to go thrifting, listen to music, and bake! Quote: I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but I wasn’t sure if it would be possible. However, when I heard about all of the amazing opportunities that South had to offer, I did everything I could to take part in at least one education abroad experience! With help from the Office of International Education I got to go on not just one, but three different study abroad programs! I had the amazing opportunity to learn global perspectives and find out not just who I was but who I wanted to be! My life keeps changing, and I love that I get to be a part of something that is always evolving! Study Abroad Jags!! Favorite Destination: Suwon, South Korea Next Destination: Greece and Japan Education Abroad Advisor I Advises on general study abroad inquiries, faculty-led programs, affiliate programs	(251) 460-6940 mlane@southalabama.edu
	Milena Mata Milena Mata Bio: Milena graduated from the University of South Alabama with a double major in Advertising & Public Relations and Spanish Language. She was previously an International Education Ambassador in 2023 after having studied abroad through an exchange program at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Craving to partake in something different and out of her comfort zone, Milena took an internship at the University of Castilla - La Mancha in Toledo, Spain, teaching English at different levels. These experiences have enhanced her cultural competency and communication skills that will guide her as Education Abroad Advisor. Quote: International education was an interest of mine from an early age, but I didn’t understand how life-changing it would become, personally and professionally. Studying abroad consistently opens doors, allowing me to gain skills in areas I would never have imagined. It is one of the best things South Alabama has to offer, and serving as Education Abroad Advisor gives me the opportunity for other students to do the same. Favorite Destination: Madrid, Spain Next Destination: Peru, Slovenia Education Abroad Advisor I Advises on general study abroad inquiries, faculty-led programs, outbound exchange programs	(251) 460-6724 milena.mata@southalabama.edu
	Madison Campbell Madison Campbell Bio: Madison earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of South Alabama in 2025 and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Secondary Education. She aspires to become a middle or high school science teacher, with a focus on creating engaging, real-world learning experiences for her students. During her undergraduate studies, Madison participated in two faculty-led study abroad programs. In May 2023, she traveled to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, and in May 2024, she studied in Germany. These experiences expanded her global perspective and strengthened her belief that education extends beyond the traditional classroom. As a Graduate Assistant in the Study Abroad Office, Madison is passionate about helping students explore international opportunities and discover the value of learning through global experiences. Quote: Traveling abroad can be scary but trust that the experiences and memories you make are worth it! There is no time like the present to start your international journey. Favorite Destination: Maquipucuna nature preserve in Ecuador Next Destination: Back to Germany for the Christmas markets. Italy, Romania, and many more! Graduate Assistant	(251) 460-7053 madisoncampbell@southalabama.edu

International Education Ambassador Interns
	Lola Williams Lola Williams Major: Biology and Spanish Study Abroad Programs: USA Spanish Language in Spain, Summer 2026 Most Memorable Experience Abroad: My most memorable experience abroad by far was staying with my host mom and her three cats in Madrid. I was so nervous to be in someone else's house and thought it'd be awkward. However, she was the sweetest woman ever. I had a roommate from South as well which helped with being in an unfamiliar place but even so she was welcoming and accommodating. She cooked us amazing food every night and made sure to be aware of what we didn't prefer. She showed me around and made sure I knew how to get around without trouble. I will forever be grateful of how she took care of me like I was her own granddaughter and comforted me when I was having a hard time adjusting. Even if our conversations weren't perfect; we spoke for hours. Her three little demon cats also warmed my heart even if they were bad. I will never forget the bonding moment when on the second or third day, me and my roommate came back home and opened the apartment door only for one of the cats to run out the door and us having to bribe it back inside with treats before our host found out. I will miss all four of them but I am still in contact with her to this day! Get to know Lola and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu
	Kiersten Jackson Kiersten Jackson Major: International Business Study Abroad Program: USA World Literature after 1650 in Italy, Summer 2026 Most Memorable Experience Abroad: The most memorable thing from my study abroad experience was being able to immerse myself in a new culture and see firsthand how meaningful different cultural connections can be. Traveling has always inspired me because it allows me to learn from different perspectives, traditions, and ways of life. These experiences have strengthened my passion for international business and my desire to encourage others to step outside of their comfort zones and explore the world. Get to know Kiersten and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu
	Harrison Trahan Harrison Trahan Major: International Business Study Abroad Program: Kansai Gaidai University Exchange Program - Fall, 2025 Most Memorable Experience Abroad: My most memorable experience while studying abroad in Japan would have to be my first time visiting Kyoto. I was blown away by the architecture and culture of the city that I had been looking forward to seeing for as long as I could remember. I remember the first shrine I visited I purchased a goshuincho which is a traditional Japanese stamp book used to collect goshuin (unique, hand-brushed calligraphy and stamps) from the numerous temples and shrines across the nation. Filling out all of the pages of my goshuincho quickly became my mission for the remainder of my time studying abroad in Japan and I am happy to say I completed my goal. Visiting vastly different shrines and temples across the many different cities I visited in Japan to collect all the different goshuin was easily the best time I had on my study abroad adventure. Get to know Harrison and learn more about his experience! You may reach him at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu
	Lauren Morantez Lauren Morantez Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences Study Abroad Programs: USA American Literature II in Paris: An American in Paris, Summer 2026 Most Memorable Experience Abroad: My most memorable experience abroad was getting a taste of Parisian life by doing things like taking the Metro, navigating the arrondissments, and admiring architecture around the city. I enjoyed learning about another culture by learning French phases and obviously trying different French foods. One of my favorite days we picnicked in front of the Eiffel Tower and it seemed like many locals out there enjoying the view on an ordinary night. Some of my favorite foods I ate were croissants, escargot, fresh fruit, multiple cheeses, a baguette, and an eclair. Overall, I had an amazing experience in Paris and I can’t wait to hopefully add to my study abroad journeys! Get to know Lauren and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu
	Lily Jones Lily Jones Major: Marine Sciences and International Studies Study Abroad Program: USA Spanish Language in Spain, Summer 2026 Most Memorable Experience Abroad: The university I was studying at offered afternoon activities, usually consisting of taking us to different restaurants for food and drinks. My friends and I went, had a great time, and started walking back to the university. As we were walking, we noticed a huge crowd with tons of people lining the street, and after asking around, we learned everyone was gathered to see the Pope! Seeing him was one of the happiest accidents I’ve ever stumbled upon. On top of that, I got to see Bad Bunny in Madrid the very next day!! Get to know Lily and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu
	Jordan Simmons Jordan Simmons Major: Exercise Science Study Abroad Program: USA Health, Kinesiology, and Sport In Greece; Lessons in Longevity, Summer 2026 Most Memorable Experience Abroad: My most memorable experience while abroad would be studying Greek culture through hands on experiences and solidifying that my career path is right for me. Experiencing things like cooking traditional Greek meals, talking to locals who have grown up in their region plus all of their in-site they have about longevity and experiencing the island life and culture helped me see that longevity is something that every aspect of your life plays a part in. Being in Greece with our API leaders was also a very memorable experience because we were treated like family by being included in their culture and them being open to learning about American culture. Outside of the traditional classroom setting studying abroad gave me a new perspective about global learning and how different yet connected the world is. Overall Greece was memorable for me because it gave me a refreshing perspective about health and wellness that I will use in my personal life and in a clinical setting. Get to know Jordan and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu

Meet the Study Abroad Staff