Global Education Office Staff

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Staff Directory

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Mr. Andy Lang, Director

Phone: 518-564-3287
Email: [email protected]

As director, I lead the GEO teams including international student services and study away. And, I also provide leadership to the entire campus community on international engagement and programming.

What I enjoy most about global education is watching young people accept the challenge to go abroad or to another state to new everything, not knowing how they will react, but knowing they will have to adapt.  It can be scary, sometimes embarrassing. Most of the time, it is just a fun adventure though with ups and downs. No matter how “international” you are or are not, it will challenge you. And, that is how you grow, learn who you are and figure out what you want to do (or not, which is just as important) in life!  

Academic credentials: B.A. French English translation, McGill University (Montreal, Quebec, Canada); M.A. French University of Cincinnati (Ohio, USA)

Brief biography:  I grew up on a dairy farm in Appalachian Ohio. I also had the opportunity to attend high school in France, which is where the international education bug bit me a long time ago. When I returned, I started college at McGill University in Montreal and eventually completed a master’s degree back home in Ohio. Since then, I have worked in international education full time at universities in the U.S. and Canada. And, this is my second position at SUNY Plattsburgh. I was here form 2005–2008 as manager of study abroad and exchanges. Plattsburgh is a wonderful place to live, work and pursue an education! 

Places I have visited: I have traveled to about 40 countries around the globe. Antarctica and the moon are on the bucket list! 

Favorite SUNY Plattsburgh activity: I love everything about the fall and fall activities on campus and in the area. Each new school year also represents a fresh start, new people and new 

Favorite experience as a GEO staff member: My favorite experience is meeting students from all over New York, the U.S. and the world and learning about from where they come! My second best experience is hearing from these students after they have graduated. I love to hear about how you are doing, what you are doing and where else you have been!  

Best advice for students: Try, participate, engage, repeat!  Try as many new opportunities as you can. Commit to finishing what you start. And, always treat others how you want to be treated, especially when it is difficult to do so.

Ms. Kate Friedrich, ISS Coordinator

Phone: 518-564-3291
Email: [email protected]

Kate is the international students services coordinator. She has a wealth of experience to help you keep in good status with immigration and navigate the university.  

Academic credentials: M.S. college and agency counseling, SUNY Plattsburgh; M.Ed. English education, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, Minn.); B.A. English, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, Minn.).

Brief biography: I grew up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota. During college, I studied abroad in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, I learned how to study and live in another culture. I hope that my experience helps me to better understand and assist international students at SUNY Plattsburgh. I came to SUNY Plattsburgh to attend graduate school. I love my beautiful new home which also has many lakes.

Places I have visited: I have gotten to visit many places in Asia and Europe through personal and professional travel. Some of my favorite places have been Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, Cambodia, Japan, Greece and Turkey. I want to visit Ethiopia, India, Senegal, Chile, and a 1,000 other places.

Favorite SUNY Plattsburgh Activity: SUNY Plattsburgh and the city of Plattsburgh have great places to eat and enjoy time with others. One of my favorite activities is to visit restaurants with a group of good friends.

Favorite experience as a GEO staff member: I love orientation at GEO! It is an exciting time to meet new students and help them transition to a new culture. I love assisting students with taking their first steps to success at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Best advice for prospective international students: College is what you make of it. This means that you determine what kind of experience you have here. I hope that your experience at college is amazing!

Sarah Erno, Graduate Assistant

Phone: 518-564-3287
Email: [email protected]

As the graduate assistant in study away, my job is to provide students with a helping hand in preparing for choosing a study away program that fits their needs. I assist students in the application process and prepare students with pre-departure information so that they are ready to take off for their new adventure.

Academic credentials: B.A. in psychology, SUNY Potsdam and a M.S. in student affairs and higher education, SUNY Plattsburgh (continuing)

Personal biography: I grew up in a small town, Mechanicville N.Y., where I learned a lot about my love for working with people and providing a helping hand. I absolutely love autumn and the fall season, as it reminds me of home, soccer and football! I have gone to Lake Placid every year for vacation, so the Adirondacks are very nostalgic for me. My family and two dogs are my everything and I enjoy almost everything the world has to offer. I am also a foodie.

Places I have visited: I have been to Canada for soccer games, but did not have an opportunity to explore as much as I wanted to. I’ve recently embarked outside of the country this past summer (August 2022) to Bermuda and it was so much fun. I would like to travel to Ireland one day, along with England, Australia and Japan.

Favorite SUNY Plattsburgh activity: I really enjoy taking walks around the campus with my pups. I am excited to see the leaves change and feel the cool weather again. Plattsburgh and the surrounding areas are great places to enjoy the snow, which I also love — whether it is snowboarding or playing outside with my dogs, it is always a great part about being in the North Country.

Best advice for prospective study abroad students: “Embrace the unknown” – Jacqueline Vogl. There is so much world to see, so go outside of your bubble and jump into adventure! Life is so much fun and college is all about experiences — make moments you will be proud to share. The study away team is always happy to answer questions and provide support as well, so please don’t hesitate to reach out! As a wise and dear friend once said to me, “let’s go exploring.”

Ms. Cathy Rafferty, Office Assistant

Phone: 518-564-3287
Email: [email protected]

Cathy serves all areas of GEO as our office assistant, and she is likely to be one of the first friendly faces you meet when you come to our office. She joined GEO in 2022 after working on campus in the Mail Room starting in 2016. Cathy grew up locally in Redford, N.Y. A fun fact about her is that she has a twin sister who looks just like her!

Cathy has spent time traveling in the U.S., including as far away as Montana. She dreams of traveling to see Europe. One of her favorite things to do in her free time is to spend it with her darling two-year old granddaughter.