Global Education Office Staff
The Global Education Office at SUNY Plattsburgh is home to International Student Services and Study Abroad and Exchanges.
Staff Directory
Mr. Andy Lang, Director
Phone: 518-564-3287
Email: [email protected]
As director, Andy leads the GEO teams including international student services and study away. Andy also provides leadership to the entire campus community on international engagement and programming.
“I grew up on a dairy farm in Appalachian Ohio. I also had the opportunity to attend high school in France, which is where the international education bug bit me a long time ago. When I returned, I started college at McGill University in Montreal and eventually completed a master’s degree back home in Ohio. Since then, I have worked in international education full time at universities in the U.S. and Canada. And, this is my second position at SUNY Plattsburgh. I was here form 2005–2008 as manager of study abroad and exchanges. Plattsburgh is a wonderful place to live, work and pursue an education!”
Ms. Kayla N. DeCoste, Study Away Coordinator
Phone: 518-564-3287
Email: [email protected]
Kayla advises Plattsburgh students on all aspects of study abroad, from program research and applications to scholarships, visas and pre-departure guidance. Kayla is also the primary advisor for National Student Exchange, which allows Plattsburgh students to study away in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and a selection of Canadian provinces.
She earned an undergraduate degree in international relations, French and European studies with minors in history and religions of the world, and a master’s degree in higher education student affairs administration from Canisius College (University). She studied abroad as an undergraduate student, completing an internship teaching English to middle-school-level children in Meudon, a suburb of Paris, France. Her master’s thesis focused on “The perceived long-term impacts of study abroad.” Kayla is originally from the North Country, growing up in Mooers Forks, N.Y.
Ms. Kate Friedrich, ISS Coordinator
Phone: 518-564-3291
Email: [email protected]
Kate is the international students services coordinator. She has a wealth of experience to help you keep in good status with immigration and navigate the university.
“I grew up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota. During college, I studied abroad in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, I learned how to study and live in another culture. I hope that my experience helps me to better understand and assist international students at SUNY Plattsburgh. I came to SUNY Plattsburgh to attend graduate school. I love my beautiful new home which also has many lakes.”
Ms. Cathy Rafferty, Office Assistant
Phone: 518-564-3287
Email: [email protected]
Cathy serves all areas of GEO as our office assistant, and she is likely to be one of the first friendly faces you meet when you come to our office. She joined GEO in 2022 after working on campus in the Mail Room starting in 2016. Cathy grew up locally in Redford, N.Y. A fun fact about her is that she has a twin sister who looks just like her!
Cathy has spent time traveling in the U.S., including as far away as Montana. She dreams of traveling to see Europe. One of her favorite things to do in her free time is to spend it with her darling two-year old granddaughter.