Sairagul Matikeeva-Kinney
Assistant Director, International Student Services & Recruitment
Office location
Overview
Dr. Sairagul Matikeeva-Kinney joined the Center for Global Engagement in February 2025 as the Assistant Director of International Student Services and Recruitment. A native of Kyrgyzstan, she taught international relations, political science, and gender studies for over a decade and earned her PhD in Political Science in 2005 in her home country, focusing her dissertation on The Role of NGOs in the Establishment of Civil Society in Kyrgyzstan. After relocating to Atlanta, for over a decade, Dr. Matikeeva-Kinney has been working in international student recruitment, admissions, retention, and compliance by holding various positions including Recruiter, Director, PDSO, etc. She received her Master of Science in Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Curriculum and Leadership from Columbus State University. Her dissertation Social Engagement Gaps between STEM International and American Students in U.S. Universities was inspired by her professional experiences in U.S. colleges and reflects her passion for advocating and mentoring international students.