Evelyn Real, director of the Office of International Student Engagement (OISE), feels a deep commitment to helping international students succeed. Since summer 2023, Real has spent her time as director helping to build, refine and now enhance how international students build a community here at WashU. At that time, the newly established office felt like an ambitious idea, yet has now grown into a meaningful home for students navigating new beginnings.
“Our work in OISE is deeply tied to WashU’s mission to ‘know each student by name and story’, and my personal philosophy reflects that: meet people where they are and do what you can to support them,” Real said. “Whether through programs, one-on-one conversations, or campus collaborations, I see every interaction as an opportunity to enrich someone’s experience and contribute to their growth.”
Real feels grateful she gets to spend her career inspiring and encouraging her team and others within OISE to help create an environment where students can feel supported, empowered and ready to thrive. And that team effort is a main reason Real chooses to stay at WashU.
“What motivates me most in my work are the everyday moments like when students make new connections over shared meals, laugh while trying something unfamiliar or find belonging through one of our programs. There’s nothing better than when a student stops by my office just to talk about life, share updates about their family or show me pictures of their pets. Those conversations remind me why I do what I do.”
For Real, it’s not just the work that’s rewarding; it’s also the WashU community.
“It’s the people who make this place so special,” Real said. “The students, faculty and staff here are some of the most passionate, thoughtful and creative individuals I’ve ever met. The spirit of collaboration and the shared commitment to community keep me excited to come to work every single day.” When Real isn’t focused on helping students thrive at WashU, you can find her exploring the area. She isn’t from the St. Louis region and has been enjoying getting to know a new city through local attractions, events and restaurants. She also spends her time with her partner, her cats and her friends.