Supporting International Students Through Connection and Innovation

A Conversation with Wesley Roy, Director of International Admissions and Student Services at Johnson & Wales University

International students bring curiosity, resilience, and global perspective to their campuses, but they also face complex systems, unfamiliar processes, and cultural adjustments that can add stress to an already challenging transition. Institutions that invest in proactive support and smart technology create more welcoming environments while improving efficiency, equity, and outcomes.

To explore how this balance plays out in practice, we spoke with Wesley Roy, Director of International Admissions and Student Services at Johnson & Wales University. Wes has spent his career focused on international education and student support. He brings a thoughtful blend of people-centered programming and process-oriented innovation to his work, which closely aligns with the kind of friction reduction and structured insight that MyDocs champions.

Wesley Roy, Director of International Admissions and Student Services at JWU Global

Wes began his international education journey as a student abroad in London, an experience that shaped his understanding of global learning and the need for strong, coordinated support systems. Today, he oversees admissions, advising, cultural programming, and student life initiatives that help international students feel confident, informed, and connected from the moment they express interest in JWU to the day they graduate.

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you came to work with international students?

Wes: I grew up in Middlebury, Vermont, surrounded by the energy of higher education. Getting involved in international student programming early in my career and later studying abroad in London helped me understand how powerful global learning can be. Those experiences showed me how important it is for institutions to create systems that support students through every step. That is what inspired me to build programs that make the journey more manageable and more meaningful for international students.

Q: What does your role as Director of International Admissions and Student Services involve?

Wes: My work touches the entire student lifecycle. I oversee programs, staff, and processes that support students from the moment they apply to the moment they graduate. A big part of that work is identifying where we can remove friction. When administrative tasks are smoother and data moves more easily between teams, students get faster guidance and better support. I remember working with a student who kept running into course registration challenges due to time zone differences and documentation delays. By coordinating across teams and improving the flow of information, we solved the issue quickly. Moments like that remind me why processes and people need to work together.

Q: Tell us about the Global Liaison Program.

Wes: The Global Liaison Program is one of our most impactful initiatives. We pair staff members across departments with students so they have a consistent point of contact who understands their needs. It is proactive support, not reactive troubleshooting. This model helps students feel anchored even when they are navigating something new. It also gives us a way to anticipate challenges before they become obstacles. Programs like this show how strategy, personalization, and operational clarity can work together.

Q: How does Johnson & Wales support cultural diversity and a sense of belonging on campus?

Wes: Belonging is central to student success. We host programs like the Flavors of the World festival, cultural showcases, and student storytelling sessions that allow students to share their backgrounds and experiences. These events strengthen community and create natural opportunities for connection. We also use technology to track participation and identify students who might need more support, which helps us ensure that programming is inclusive and responsive.

Flavors of the World at JWU Global

Q: How do technology and partnerships enhance the experience for international students?

Wes: Technology plays a big role in improving response times and reducing administrative complexity. Tools like MyDocs help us process transcripts quickly, standardize information, and create accurate academic profiles. That allows our team to move faster and frees up time for conversations, guidance, and connection. We also partner with platforms that help students manage immigration tasks, explore career options, or get information about campus life. When technology reduces the noise, our staff can focus on the human side of student support.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you navigate in your work?

Wes: There are always shifting policies, global events, or administrative requirements that impact students. Staying flexible and maintaining empathy are essential. Collaboration is a major part of solving these challenges. Technology helps us anticipate needs and streamline communication, but people bring the context and the care that students rely on. Innovation only works when it enhances the student experience and supports the people doing the work.

Q: What is next for international programs at Johnson & Wales University?

Wes: We are looking to make orientation, mentoring, and cultural programming even more engaging and accessible. We also want to expand leadership opportunities for international students because they are important voices in shaping campus culture. Combining thoughtful programming with structured data will help us better understand student needs and design experiences that truly support them. My goal is to continue building systems that help students thrive academically, socially, and professionally while giving staff the insights and tools they need to work efficiently.

Closing Thoughts

Johnson & Wales University demonstrates how international student support can grow stronger when proactive relationship-building is paired with smart operational frameworks. Wes brings a clear vision that aligns with the principles MyDocs values: remove friction, use standardized information to improve decisions, and give staff more time to focus on people.

Institutions that combine strong programming with structured insights create environments where students feel connected and confident. When technology and human support work together, international students experience smoother pathways, more informed guidance, and a sense of belonging from day one. This approach is not only sustainable, it is transformational for students and for the institutions that serve them.