AMIS Atlanta honored with 2026 NAFSA Region VII Sylvia Shortt Memorial Community Volunteer Award

By AMIS Office

AMIS Atlanta was honored yesterday evening with the 2026 NAFSA Region VII Sylvia Shortt Memorial Community Volunteer Award. It was presented to our executive director, Camille Kesler at the NAFSA Regional Conference in Atlanta. We are so grateful for this recognition of the work we do to welcome and befriend international students and scholars at Atlanta area universities and colleges especially during a challenging time when some international students may feel ostracized or unwelcome in our country. We want those students and all Americans to know of the immense value and benefits that global friendships and education can engender.

The NAFSA Sylvia Shortt Memorial Community Volunteer Award's purpose is to recognize important and significant contributions of unpaid volunteers, who support international initiatives both on campus and within the local communities in Region VII. Recipients promote international education on a community level and have a profound impact on the individuals and/or campuses they serve. Additionally, awardees often serve as role models for emulation and help encourage involvement of community organizations within the region. Recipients will also have supported the work of local educational institutions and demonstrated excellence in fostering international exchange in the local community through leadership in a community organization.

About NAFSA

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. NAFSA serves the needs of more than 11,000 members and international educators worldwide at more than 4,300 institutions, in 170+ countries.

NAFSA believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and well-being for all. NAFSA believes that diversity in our classrooms, our communities, and our workplaces is our strength; and seeks to conduct international education in socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable ways.

Thank you to the NAFSA Region VII event organizers, award committee, and our dear friend Marisa Atencio, EdD of Oglethorpe University for this distinct honor!