Anastasia Fynn, Director of ISSS (right), poses with colleagues Debbie Adebunmi (center), and Sylvia Christensen (left) during the International Education Week flag parade in 2022. The joyous event was initiated by Fynn—a new tradition to the U and one Fynn had overseen at her previous institutions.
Congratulations to Anastasia Fynn, director of International Student & Scholar Services, as she recently received the Marcus Garvey Black Star Excellence Award.
Fynn was recognized with the honor during the 2024 Black Faculty and Staff Awards by the University of Utah Black Cultural Center. The annual event spotlighted individuals who exhibited excellence in their positions within the university in addition to providing outstanding service and support to the campus community. You can view the full list of awardees here.
The Marcus Garvey Black Star Excellence Award recognizes new University of Utah faculty and staff who have helped build and broadcast the University of Utah in a positive light. Since joining OGE in 2022, Fynn has set to work bolstering the ISSS office. A few of her many accomplishments include:
- Growing the ISSS team to better meet student needs, including the installment of a Case Manager to support international student mental health.
- Expanding advising hours, including the introduction of walk-in advising to reduce wait-time for students.
- Enhancing outreach and student life programming to better integrate students into the U community.
- Spearheading a remodel of office spaces to create a more welcoming environment for staff and students alike.