Johnson & Wales University

Wesley Roy

Educational Innovation Leader

Wesley Roy is Director of International Admissions & Student Services at Johnson & Wales University. With expertise spanning recruitment, enrollment, immigration, student affairs and support services, he champions student-centered strategies that create seamless experiences for international students from admission through graduation.

Shaping Student Experiences through Integrated Support

Throughout my career in international education, I have worked across recruitment, admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, immigration, and student support functions. These experiences have reinforced my belief that international admissions and student services should not operate as separate areas. This perspective is further informed by my own study abroad experience as an undergraduate student, which gave me firsthand insight into what it feels like to navigate life and academics in a different country. Having served in roles focused on both student recruitment and student support, I firmly believe that the student experience begins with the first inquiry and continues through graduation and beyond. As a result, my approach focuses on creating a seamless experience that supports international students from recruitment through enrollment, orientation, academic success, career preparation, and post-graduation. Successful international education strategies balance enrollment goals with a genuine commitment to student success, engagement, and belonging.

Addressing the Complexities of Today's Higher Education Landscape

International students are navigating an increasingly complex higher education landscape. Economic uncertainty, visa and immigration concerns, geopolitical issues, growing competition from destination countries around the world, and heightened expectations regarding career outcomes all influence student decision-making. In addition, institutions must recognize that international students often face additional challenges related to cultural adjustment, academic expectations, language confidence, and building social networks in a new environment far from home. One of the greatest challenges colleges and universities face today is providing personalized support at scale while ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

Creating Strong Foundations for Student Success

A successful transition begins long before students arrive on campus. At Johnson & Wales University, we prioritize clear communication, immigration guidance, academic advising, and opportunities for students to engage with members of our community prior to arrival. The structure of our office, JWU Global, brings international enrollment and international student services together under one division, allowing us to provide a consistent and connected experience from recruitment through graduation. We intentionally create multiple touchpoints throughout the pre-arrival process to help students feel informed, prepared, and confident. Once students arrive, support extends far beyond orientation. Peer mentoring, student organizations, cultural programming, academic support services, and proactive outreach all play important roles in helping international students develop a sense of belonging at JWU. We know that students who feel connected to their campus community are more likely to persist, thrive, and achieve their goals.

“Keeping international students at the center of decision-making is the best way to create meaningful outcomes.”

Aligning Engagement with Academic and Career Success

International student engagement has become increasingly personalized, technology-enabled, and career-focused. Students expect institutions to communicate through digital platforms and provide opportunities for engagement both before and after arrival. At the same time, they continue to value authentic, in-person experiences that foster meaningful relationships, cultural exchange, and community building.

There is also growing interest in experiential learning opportunities, including internships, leadership development, service learning, and global networking experiences. Today's students want to understand how their education connects to their future career aspirations. As a result, institutions are placing greater emphasis on engagement strategies that integrate academic, social, and professional development throughout the student experience.

Leading with Purpose across the Student Lifecycle

My advice is to remain student-centered and globally minded at all times. International education is a dynamic field that requires adaptability, cultural awareness, strong communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. Professionals should seek opportunities to understand both the recruitment and student support sides of the enrollment cycle, as success in one area often depends on the other. Building strong relationships across campus is equally important, as supporting international students requires proactive collaboration among admissions, academic affairs, student affairs, career services, faculty, and institutional leadership. Most importantly, remember that every policy, process, and initiative ultimately impacts a student's experience. Keeping international students at the center of decision-making is the best way to create meaningful outcomes for both the students we serve and the institutions we represent.