Our Staff

My Mustapha Jourdini, smiling man in grey suit, blue shirt, yellow tie

Dr. Mustapha Jourdini – Executive Director

As an undergraduate student, Dr. Jourdini served as the President of the International Student Association. He is active with NAFSA, Association of International Educators. Dr. Jourdini holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a specialization in international education from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). His published research examines the impact of international students, diversity and cultural stereotypes, international education, and student affairs. He is passionate about serving and advocating for international students and scholars, and promoting all facets of global education.

Prior to joining ��ý, Dr. Jourdini served in many professional capacities at Lesley University, Pellissippi State Community College, Al Akhawayn University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Disney World for close to two decades.

Tajudeen Babayeju, smiling man with mustache and glasses wearing dark suit, white shirt, red stripped tie

Dr. Tajudeen Babayeju– Manager, Compliance and Student Success

Dr. Tajudeen Babayeju is a strategic leader, a pragmatic problem solver, and a transformative innovator with experience in both higher education and K‑12. His background spans compliance, student advising, and academic support. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education Leadership and an M.A. in English from Jackson State University, along with a B.A. in French and Literature from the University of Ibadan. Prior to joining ��ý, Dr. Babayeju served in roles that advanced student success, strengthened regulatory compliance, and promoted intercultural engagement. Dr. Babayeju is committed to fostering an environment where students feel supported and empowered. He leads with clarity, approaches his work with practicality, integrity, and a consistent dedication to student success.

Ashter Reyes, smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses wearing peach jacket with nametag on left shoulder, black shirt

Asther Reyes – Assistant Director for Student Engagement, Retention, and Success

A distinguished educator and leader with over 25 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and academic program leadership. She holds degrees from the University of Nueva Caceres and the University of Texas at Arlington.

As a former Visiting International Faculty member and Cultural Ambassador from the Philippines, Asther has taught and led in multicultural settings across the Middle East, the Philippines, and the United States. She is the founder of a STEM education consultancy and an international faculty exchange program, dedicated to enhancing global STEM education collaborations. She is committed to cultivating an engaged international student community, equipping students to serve as ambassadors for both ��ý and Southeast Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, immersing herself in books, and discovering new international cuisines.

Anh Phan, smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses wearing grey tshirt sitting in front of flag background

Anh Phan – Assistant Director for Study Abroad & Student Exchange

Born in Vietnam, Anh immigrated with her family to the U.S. and settled in Seattle, WA in 1995. She and her family moved to the Beaumont area in late 2021 and started working at the Global Education Center shortly after. She enjoys helping students achieve their global educational aspirations. Outside of work, Anh treasures time with her family, camping, travelling and exploring global gastronomic experiences.

Tracy Bourgeois, smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses wearing white and peach patterned shirt with nametag

Tracy Bourgeois - Senior International Students Services Specialist

Tracy Bourgeois was born in Fort Worth, TX, and moved to the Beaumont area in 2014 and began working at Lamar in 2015. Mrs. Bourgeois is an alumni of ��ý earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hanging out at the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Dylano Bemelen, smiling man with dark hair wearing black sweater with pink collar

Dylano Bemelen – Senior International Students Services Specialist

Mr. Bemelen has been a member of the GEC since 2022. Originally immigrating to the United States from the Netherlands, he has spent most of his life in Southeast Texas. Currently, Mr. Bemelen is completing his studies for a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies with a focus on Political Science & Economics / MPA fast-track from ��ý, conducting his research on 'Blockchain Technology in the International System: Regulations & Implementations.'

In his spare time, Mr. Bemelen enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, exploring cities for new cuisines to try, and supporting the Netherlands National Team and various European football clubs.

Kimberly Riley, smiling woman with long dark hair wearing pink shirt with cheetah print and necklace

Kimberley Riley– Senior Administrative Specialist III

Kimberley Riley was born and raised in Southeast Texas. She attended ��ý, earning a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies, and plans to earn her master’s degree at Lamar soon. She has a background in STEM and taught Kindergarten-5th grade Computer Fundamentals at a local elementary school, where her students won the competitive Texas Keyboarding Challenge two years in a row. She joined the GEC team in 2025 and is excited to work with students in higher education. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, attending her daughters’ games, dance recitals, and competitions, and loves a good Zumba class!

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