The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has hired Nicolas Pattillo, previously an admissions and recruitment director at the University of South Carolina, to serve as director of international relations at UAFS.

As director, Pattillo is responsible for the operations of the International Student Services Office, as well as internationalizing the university’s campus, which includes developing partnerships with foreign governmental sponsors, foundations and agencies, as well as creating and rejuvenating programs for the university’s international student body to increase graduation and retention rates. He will report to Dr. Georgia Hale, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“We have an International Office and university full of faculty, staff and students that are creative and passionate about helping everyone, international or domestic, to have the best experience possible,” Pattillo said. “The passion of this campus to make a positive holistic impact on its students is energizing, and I look forward to building the university’s international presence.”

Pattillo comes to UAFS following nearly four years in the University of South Carolina System, beginning as an assistant director of university housing at the University of South Carolina Aiken, where he also served as an adjunct professor for a year.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and sociology from USC and a graduate diploma in education from James Cook University in Australia.