By Anna Lister, Texas A&M University Global Engagement
BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION, TX — May 27, 2025 — Samantha Clement, Director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at Texas A&M University, has been recognized with two major honors this year: the 2025 NAFSA Texas State Award and the 2025 Traditions of Excellence Award in the Leadership Excellence category. These accolades celebrate Clement’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to supporting international students and scholars at Texas A&M.
When Clement stepped into the director role, the ISSS office was facing challenges related to morale, staffing, and outdated processes. Through her leadership, she revitalized the office culture, implemented new technologies, and secured funding for additional staff positions—efforts that significantly improved both team cohesion and service delivery.
Under Clement’s leadership, the ISSS office has undergone a remarkable transformation. She led three major business process transitions, moving from paper-based systems to digital platforms, and spearheaded the integration of J-1 visiting scholars into Workday to improve data accuracy and efficiency.
She also championed the launch of the Global Aggie Medallions, graduation regalia that recognize students’ participation in international learning. Since fall 2024, the program distributed over 2,100 medallions across Texas A&M campuses.
Clement’s efforts have not only improved operational efficiency but also created a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students and staff alike. Her focus on professional development, team-building retreats, and equitable workplace practices has boosted morale and retention within the ISSS team.
“Her willingness to go above and beyond in every task is truly inspiring,” Jie Fan, assistant director of ISSS, said. “Regardless of how busy her schedule is, she is always willing to set aside time for staff and stakeholders. She genuinely cares and is always willing to help.”
Clement’s influence extends beyond the Texas A&M campus. She was also named the 2025 NAFSA Texas State Award recipient, an honor bestowed by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, recognizing outstanding service to the field of international education within the state.
Her most notable contribution at the state level has been the creation of a monthly networking meeting for international education professionals across the Texas A&M University System. This initiative, which now includes over 30 professionals from 11 institutions, has become a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving.
In just the first three months, the group’s work led to streamlined processes for student health insurance and immigration services, improving the experience for thousands of international students across Texas.
“Her impact on the state, particularly through the development of cross-institutional collaboration, has left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit international students and the higher education community for years to come,” wrote a colleague in the nomination letter.
Reflecting on the recognition, Clement expressed deep gratitude for her colleagues and the international community she serves.
“It means so much that my colleagues took the time out of their very busy schedules to nominate me for these awards,” she said. “We have an incredible international community at Texas A&M, and I feel proud to play even a small role in their success. It’s a privilege to support them and the ISSS team.”
Clement was formally recognized for the NAFSA Texas State Award at the Texas State Meeting in March and will be honored again at the NAFSA Region III Conference in Little Rock this fall. The Traditions of Excellence Award was presented at the Traditions of Excellence annual awards ceremony at the end of April.
These awards not only celebrate Clement’s individual achievements but also highlight the vital role of international education in shaping a more inclusive, globally engaged university community.
About Global Engagement
The Department of Global Engagement strategically aligns several critical internationally focused units bringing together Education Abroad, International Student & Scholar Services, and Global Partnerships & Initiatives. As a hub of resources and partnerships, Global Engagement fosters the University’s commitment to solving the world’s most pressing problems through a focus on transformational international education and research that serves our local communities and the world at large.