Stella Wang is a dedicated higher education professional with a strong background in international admissions, student success, and diverse education strategy. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Academic Programs at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago, supporting graduate student progress and fostering inclusive programming efforts. Previously, Stella held roles at the University of Louisville, Illinois Institute of Technology, and University of Illinois Chicago, where she led international recruitment initiatives, built partnerships across institutions, and supported culturally responsive admissions practices, and served on diversity and inclusion committees. A former international student and first-generation college graduate, Stella brings lived experience and service-centered leadership to her work. Her focus lies in making international education more accessible, transparent, and inclusive.
In a recent interview with Higher Education Digest, Stella Wang discussed her experience with international admissions and international education. She shared her views on innovative approaches, international student mobility, AI and data-driven admissions tools, and many more.
How have international admissions evolved over the past decade, especially in response to global shifts like geopolitical changes, remote learning, or changing visa policies?
As an international student myself—and later, someone working in international admissions—I’ve seen the landscape evolve significantly over the past decade. Students and their families are increasingly prioritizing employability and the transferability of a degree across borders. There’s greater openness toward diverse types of institutions, including smaller liberal arts colleges, faith-based schools, and STEM-focused programs.
We’re also seeing more students explore non-traditional options, such as short-term or non-credit-bearing programs, and considering a broader range of destination countries beyond the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
From the institutional side, the competition has intensified. Universities worldwide are using similar outreach strategies—whether homegrown or outsourced—to build brand recognition and meet students both in-person and virtually. The fight for student conversion is real, and the recruitment ecosystem has become increasingly sophisticated.
In what ways can higher ed institutions make the admissions process more transparent, accessible, and culturally responsive for students from diverse global backgrounds?
Transparency and accessibility begin with closing the feedback loop. Many admissions offices excel in front-end recruitment—events, marketing, and campus tours—but often lose connection with students once they transition to orientation or other offices. We need to extend our engagement beyond the admit phase, even if the student defers, transfers, or chooses another institution.
Additionally, we must commit to consistent feedback collection and data-informed improvements. Culturally responsive work requires us to stay up-to-date through training, approach our roles with a globally curious mindset, and recognize that students’ experiences are shaped by both culture and context. While some institutional barriers—such as tradition or competitive rankings—can limit full transparency, we can still strive to build relationships with students and families within those constraints.
What role do admissions offices play in shaping a more equitable and diverse student body beyond quotas or recruitment numbers?
Admissions offices have an significant role in shaping who gets access to a college education. We’re often the first point of contact, and the decisions we make shape the campus experience, alumni community, and even future faculty and staff experiences on campus working with the students.
Beyond numbers, we should ask: Who are we cultivating as future leaders? What kind of learning and innovation do we want on our campuses? While it’s true that admissions is often a high-pressure environment driven by metrics, we must also act as gatekeepers and advocates—balancing institutional goals with student potential and inclusion.
What are some innovative approaches or partnerships you’ve seen that effectively support marginalized student populations, from enrollment through to graduation?
Faculty-led outreach makes a big difference, particularly in STEM. When faculty actively participate in recruitment, yield events, and advising, it signals to students that they are welcomed and supported in their academic journey.
I’ve also seen effective collaborations across campus units—admissions, academic affairs, student services, and DEI offices—create a more holistic and consistent support system. These cross-functional efforts not only benefit students but also enhance the effectiveness and morale of staff.
What trends are you seeing in international student mobility, and how do they intersect with diversity goals?
According to IIE’s Open Doors report, international student enrollment reached a record high of 1,126,690, a 7% increase. However, undergraduate numbers continue to decline while graduate-level enrollment rises. Traditional source countries like China and South Korea are seeing declines, while places like India, Canada, Nigeria, and Bangladesh are increasing.
As geopolitical and economic dynamics shift, we’re seeing institutions diversify their recruitment strategies—moving beyond saturated markets like China and India. This trend aligns with broader diversity goals by expanding access to students from underrepresented regions and socioeconomic backgrounds.
With AI and data-driven admissions tools on the rise, how can institutions balance efficiency with fairness and holistic review?
AI and data tools can streamline parts of the admissions process, especially when it comes to high-volume tasks like document verification or initial application sorting. But they can’t replace human judgment—especially in assessing essays, interviews, or the context behind a student’s story.
Students and families still value the human connection. Admissions professionals must be willing to engage deeply in those human elements, even as we embrace efficiency elsewhere. A hybrid approach—where technology supports but does not override our expertise—offers the best path forward.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to students from underrepresented backgrounds who are navigating the complex world of international education?
Use your resources and find mentors early. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t limit yourself to what seems like the “best” or most ranked school on paper. What worked for someone else might not work for you. Find the institution that sees and supports you for who you are.