Marissa Chandler
Director, Office of Study Abroad & Belmont USA
Study Abroad, Belmont USA, Interdisciplinary Studies & Global Education
Biography
Dr. Marissa Chandler is the Director of Study Abroad and Belmont USA at Belmont University, where she oversees the operations and management of these areas. Prior to coming to Belmont, she was employed at Austin Peay State University for 27 years, where she provided leadership for International Student Services, the English Language Institute and Study Abroad programs. Prior to overseeing study abroad, Chandler served as the Director of Trio Student Support Services, a federally funded program supporting low-income, first-generation and disabled college students at APSU.
Marissa has been appointed as Belmont’s Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for exchange programs through the US Department of State. In addition, she is an active member of NAFSA, AIEA, and the Forum On Education Abroad. She also served as the 2022 Chair of the Tennessee Association of International Educators (TAIE) and has been active on the annual state conference planning committee for many years.
Marissa was born in Puerto Rico. Her multicultural family heritage stems from Spain, Denmark, and Puerto Rico. Marissa’s journey in international education began at the University of Evansville where she received her bachelor's degree and studied abroad at Harlaxton College in England for two semesters. This experience sparked a lifelong passion that has led her to visit six continents. In addition, Marissa received her master’s degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Western Kentucky University and her Education Specialist degree from Austin Peay State University. Her doctorate degree is in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Marissa has travelled extensively all over the world for both work and leisure. However, her dream vacation would be to cruise through Antarctica with her husband and two children. Marissa also enjoys bargain shopping, theatre, live music, and the Nashville Predators.
One of her main goals while serving Belmont students is to expand their horizons towards becoming world travelers and not just ordinary tourists.