Concordia Texas Welcomes Gloria Kelios as International Affairs Coordinator

As Concordia University Texas continues to welcome international students into its undergraduate and graduate programs, we’re excited to introduce Gloria Kelios as our new International Affairs Coordinator. Gloria will play a key role in supporting international students as they adjust to life at Concordia Texas and transition to life in Austin, Texas.

Gloria is originally from Malaysia, a country known for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. One of the most interesting parts of Gloria’s story is that her passion for serving and connecting with international students began while she was pursuing her undergraduate program in Malaysia. She vividly remembers connecting with international students through her campus ministry, welcoming her international friends to her hometown for the holidays, and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures.

“Those interactions with various cultural backgrounds helped me understand different cultures and definitely how to have conversations that included different perspectives.”

- Gloria Kelios, International Affairs Coordinator

More than 10 years ago, while pursuing her master’s degree in English as a Second Language at Wright State University in Ohio, Gloria’s involvement with international student programs continued to grow in ways she did not expect.

At Wright State University, Gloria helped establish an international student community in partnership with a Christian nonprofit to create a space for students from different nationalities to find belonging, voice and support throughout their time on campus. Today, many of the students Gloria served through that organization remain connected with her, highlighting the intentional way she nurtures relationships.

When asked what excites her most about working with international students, Gloria responds with a smile: “Helping them become change agents for their communities because the international students you meet today will be world leaders in the future.”

At Concordia University Texas, we strive to help current and prospective international students and their families prepare for what’s next. As an international student, you will become part of a tight-knit community with support from our faculty, academic planners, financial planners, Designated School Official (DSO) and now Gloria, our International Affairs Coordinator.

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Why should an international student consider moving to Austin, Texas?

For students who have never visited Austin, Texas, Gloria offers a simple response about what makes the city special. Gloria says, “Austin is big enough for diversity, yet small enough to be connected.”

As an international student in Austin, Texas, you will be able to experience college life in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Beyond the classroom, you will have plenty of opportunities to create memories around the city, build professional networks, and gain career experience in Austin’s diverse economy.

Because of all that Austin, Texas has to offer, Gloria’s one piece of advice to international students is simple: “Take advantage of every right opportunity you are presented with”

Gloria couldn't have said it better.

Living in Austin, Texas As An International Student

What should Concordia Texas International students expect from the International Affairs Coordinator?

“My door is always open,” says Gloria. She adds that one of the things she looks forward to is having students from different nations around her office table.

You don’t have to navigate the transition to a new city alone. Whether you have questions or simply need someone who understands life as an international student here in the United States, don’t hesitate to connect with Gloria.

For Gloria, working with international students is more than a profession; it is an expression of her faith in Christ Jesus. She points out Revelation 7:9 where Scripture describes “a great multitude from...every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Gloria believes that if heaven celebrates the beauty of having different nations and cultures in one place, then we as believers should reflect that same picture here on earth as well.

We are so excited to welcome Gloria Kelios to Concordia University Texas and we believe her experience, passion and faith will help us provide a thriving and supportive environment for our international students.

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