Meet Our Staff

We Are Here For You

Meet our Global Learning staff! We are ready to help you make the most of your time at Kirkwood. Reach out if you have any questions.

Dawn Wood
Dawn Wood
Title: Dean
Phone: 319-398-5443
Email: dawn.wood@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Dawn holds an M.A. in Intercultural Management from the School for International Training, as well as a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa.
Bio: Dawn is committed to international education and enjoys helping students experience the world and its diversity. She has traveled and visited many countries and recognizes the value of learning about other cultures.
Darek Benesh
Darek Benesh
Title: Associate Dean
Phone: 319-398-2733
Email: darek.benesh@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Darek Benesh earned degrees in TESOL and English Language and Literature from the University of Northern Iowa, with additional graduate coursework in Language, Literacy, and Culture from the University of Iowa.
Bio: Darek has been teaching in various capacities for more than twenty years. His professional interests include promoting intercultural competence, designing, and leading professional development opportunities for faculty, and promoting collaborative learning and critical inquiry.
Sharon Falduto
Sharon Falduto
Title: ELA Student Advisor
Phone: 319-398-5668
Email: sharon.falduto@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Sharon holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.
Bio: Sharon is the advisor for English language learners in our English Language Acquisition courses. She is happy to help you with understanding what classes you need and how Kirkwood can help you achieve your goals.
Ramona Kline
Ramona Kline
Title: Department Assistant
Phone: 319-398-5579
Email: ramona.kline@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Ramona graduated from Portland State University in 2019 with her B.A. in Russian Language.
Bio: Ramona is often the first person people meet upon entering the Global Learning office. As the Department Assistant, Ramona supports the staff in a number of department processes and helps to keep the office running and organized. She is happy to assist students by connecting them with the staff who can help them. Her favorite aspect of her job is welcoming and getting to know the many ELA and International students who regularly visit the office.
Cyrus Mudanya
Cyrus Mudanya
Title: International Admissions Advisor
Phone: 319-784-1712
Email: cyrus.mudanya@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Cyrus holds an A.A. from Kirkwood Community College and a B.S. from Mount Mercy University.
Bio: Start Here, Go Anywhere! is our motto at Kirkwood Community College and we truly believe in it. If you are an international student looking for a college in the U.S. to further your education, you too can start here at Kirkwood. I look forward to assisting you with your admissions questions.
Hiromi Narita
Hiromi Narita
Title: Study Abroad Advisor
Phone: 319-398-4492
Email: hiromi.narita@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Hiromi holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Soka University of America. Her master's program was in Educational Leadership and Societal Change.
Bio: Hiromi advises students on short-term, semester, and other study aboard programs. She is committed to promoting international education, global citizenship education, and study abroad programs. One of her values is that "everyone possesses infinite potential, and education is the tool to unleash it." She has lived in several countries such as Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and Costa Rica. She is passionate about making study abroad programs accessible to students regardless of their backgrounds.
Elizabeth O'Brien
Elizabeth O'Brien
Title: Program Coordinator
Phone: 319-398-7663
Email: elizabeth.o'brien@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Michigan University.
Bio: Elizabeth is responsible for the variety of programming needs of our international students visiting Kirkwood through grant programs. She welcomes students to Kirkwood and enjoys helping students get involved in campus and community activities.
Mohamed Joreya Osman
Mohamed Joreya Osman
Title: Department Assistant ELA
Phone: 319-887-3628
Email: mohamed.joreya@kirkwood.edu
Office: Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
Education: Joreya holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management from Kirkwood Community College.
Bio: Mohamed Joreya Osman serves the ELA community at Kirkwood by helping students navigate their first steps in their education journey in the United States. An immigrant himself and a former student of the ELA program, Joreya has a good understanding of the needs of our students as they transition from English classes to the degree of their dreams.
Mohamed Joreya Osman
Whitney Uzomah
Title: Associate Director of International Student Services
Phone: 319-398-5293
Email: whitney.uzomah@kirkwood.edu
Office: 2008 Iowa Hall
Education: Whitney holds an M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and a B.A. in Bible from Columbia International University. She also earned a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Biola University. 
Bio: Whitney enjoys advising F1 students on immigration-related issues and helping with cultural adjustment as new international students become accustomed to their surroundings at Kirkwood. Her passion for international education was born out of her experience growing up in Macedonia and she has been serving international students for over six years. She understands the joys and difficulties of moving to another country and celebrates the positive impact that living and studying abroad can have both on the individual and the community.

Global Learning
2008 Iowa Hall
319-398-5579
international@kirkwood.edu 

 

Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
Coralville (Iowa City Area)

319-887-3628

international@kirkwood.edu