The Language and Culture Institute (LCI) is experiencing a period of exciting change and growth — including welcoming Elsie Paredes as its newly appointed director. Paredes, who has been interim co-director since 2023, will now lead the institute, bringing with her a wealth of experience.

“Elsie brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to her role as the new director of the Language and Culture Institute,” said Susan E. Short, associate director for engagement. “Her vision for growth and diversity aligns perfectly with our university’s priorities. I’m confident that under her leadership, the LCI will continue to flourish and play a crucial role in attracting and supporting international talent at Virginia Tech.”

From being a foreign student studying in the United States to teaching in the classroom, Paredes has personal experience with every aspect of the institute. After completing both a master’s degree and a doctorate of education as an international student at Florida International University, Paredes immediately started serving international students. She worked first as an English as a second language teacher and soon after became an administrator in the field.

In 2011, she came to Virginia Tech to serve as the associate director for the LCI, part of Outreach and International Affairs.

As interim co-director this past year, Paredes cast an ambitious vision to support the university’s priorities by recruiting more diverse international talent and by engaging with colleges and departments across the university to identify and meet the needs of their international talent.

During Paredes’ tenure as interim co-director, the LCI has not only seen a significant increase in student enrollment but also an increase in the diversity of countries represented. This semester, the LCI enrolled more than 90 students from China, South Korea, Thailand, Panama, and others — marking a substantial rise from the previous year’s enrollment.

“We’re thrilled to see such growth in both the number and diversity of our student body,” Paredes said. “To me, this affirms our strategies are taking us in the right direction.”

Welcoming two new instructors

To support this influx of students and the expanded programming, the LCI has also brought on board two new part-time instructors: Michael Garrett and Livia Cascao. Garrett will be focusing on the Intensive English Program, while Cascao will be leading classes in the AdvantageVT program.

The hiring of these new instructors is a direct result of the LCI’s growth due to the strategies implemented over the past year.

“We provide a much-needed service to the university — supporting enrolment for international talent,” Paredes said. “Bringing in talented educators like Michael and Livia allows us to expand, to continue meeting that need and providing top-quality instruction to our growing student body.”

Written by Amanda Broome

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