Karen Slaymaker

Associate Director for International Student & Scholar Services

Karen Slaymaker is the Associate Director for International Student and Scholar Services at the University of Kentucky. Ms. Slaymaker received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Messiah College in Grantham, PA. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in Higher Education with a focus in Student Affairs at the University of Kentucky. Ms. Slaymaker has taught English as a second language in Japan and the U.S. At the University of Washington, Ms. Slaymaker worked as a community coordinator for Graduate and Apartment Housing. She began her career at the University of Kentucky as an academic advisor in Chemical and Materials Engineering. As the Health Insurance Coordinator in the Office of International Affairs, Ms. Slaymaker oversaw the implementation of mandatory health insurance for international students. In her current position she helps international students transition to the U.S. and acts as an advocate for this population in UK’s planning. Ms. Slaymaker also leads cross-cultural workshops, plans international events such as the Cultural Diversity Festival, works with the Global Village and teaches UK 101. Ms. Slaymaker has been an active member in NAFSA: Association of International Educators. She has presented at NAFSA conferences on the topics of cross-cultural understanding, living learning communities, and international student recruitment.  She is a past KY state representative for NAFSA.In the Lexington community Ms. Slaymaker has served as a facilitator for Divorce Recovery Workshops.  She volunteers in a Sandwich ministry at her church Maxwell Presbyterian.  She has presented cross-cultural workshops for community organizations and businesses.