Lori Friedman
Senior International Officer, Executive Director, Global Learning & Strategy
Email: lorifriedman@stthomas.edu
About Lori Friedman
Lori Friedman began her position as Senior International Officer and Executive Director of Global Learning and Strategy in October 2025. Her areas of responsibility include international students and scholars, international recruitment and admissions, study abroad, English as a second language, student Fulbright scholarships, international risk and compliance, international partnerships, and support for comprehensive internationalization throughout the St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.
Prior to her current position as SIO, Lori served as the Director of International Students & Scholars at the University of St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ where she oversaw services for more than 600 international students and scholars annually, including immigration advising, orientation, cultural programming, and retention initiatives along with international recruitment and admissions. She was the university's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), and managed all F-1, J-1, and H-1B visa processes, including faculty and staff onboarding. Lori's expertise spans international recruitment and admissions, SEVIS compliance, study abroad program development, global partnerships, and faculty engagement. She has successfully aligned global strategy with institutional enrollment goals, securing Davis United World Colleges Partner Status and leading to record international student growth. Her leadership has been recognized nationally through active involvement in NAFSA, where she has served in multiple roles including Trainer Corps member, session and workshop presenter, and serving on national and regional leadership teams.
Prior to her role at St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Lori held leadership positions at St. Cloud State University and Illinois Institute of Technology, where she directed international offices, developed faculty-led programs, and supported thousands of international students and scholars. She holds a Master of Arts in Multicultural Communications from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including study abroad experience in Seville, Spain.