Staff
Mary Burnett, Director of Global Engagement
MEburnett@ship.edu
Mary is originally from Southwestern Pennsylvania. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University and earned her Master of Science in Marketing from the University of Stirling, United Kingdom. Mary studied abroad during her junior year of college at the University of Sunderland in the Northeast of England. She also achieved the professional designation of Fulbright Scholar, International Education Administrator, Germany 2018.
Mary worked in non-profit as a Marketing Research and Event Planning Assistant prior to coming to Ship. In 2004, she was hired as the Director of International Programs. Mary’s passion includes assisting international students from around the world as they study in Ship and in the United States. She also thoroughly enjoys advising students through the process of studying abroad and witnessing the transformation they go through upon return from their time overseas. Every day, she learns something new at work, and it usually involves another culture, language or way of thinking. During her spare time, Mary enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two sons. Her favorite country to visit to date is Italy, and her travel bucket list includes traveling to Egypt, India, Poland and South Africa.
Ms. April Ashway-Railing, Staff Assistant, Global Education
April assists with office operations including checking in new students, scheduling appointments, letter requests, and providing assistance with topics such as Social Security Numbers, Pennsylvania State ID cards and driver's licenses. She also helps with answering questions about campus and academic resources as well as services in the Shippensburg community.
Isaac Covert, Graduate Assistant, Global Education
Isaac Covert is a graduate student at Shippensburg University working toward his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Pre-Counseling and Therapy from Messiah University. Isaac desires to one day serve and walk alongside young people dealing with mental, emotional, and relational issues as a counselor in a university setting. Isaac is hopeful for these next three years of growth, learning, and developing the skills and knowledge to become a counselor. He is very excited to meet and support international students as well as students interested in studying abroad. In his free time, Isaac enjoys spending time with his family, running with his friends, watching movies, learning about new cultures, and exploring new places. His travel bucket list includes England, Argentina, and New Zealand.
Malu Takahashi (she/her), Undergraduate Student Employee, Global Education
Maria Luiza Takahashi, or Malu, is an undergraduate international student from Brazil pursuing a dual Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies at Shippensburg University. She currently works as an undergraduate student employee at the Global Education office and as a Peer Educator for the PAGE (Pride and Gender Equity) Centre of the university. Moreover, she serves as one of the senators for the class of 2025 for the Student Government Association. She is looking forward to working towards increased global engagement across the campus community. During her free time, she likes reading, traveling, baking, and spending time with her family.
Ezra Epperly, Undergraduate Student Employee, Global Education
Ezra Epperly is a senior at Shippensburg University majoring in International Studies, focusing on Asia and Comparative Global Cultures, and Minors in International Development Education, Peace Corps Prep, as well as Political Science. She is a Gilman Scholarship recipient, and studied abroad at Soonchunhyang University, in South Korea last year. On her way back she visited Thailand! After graduation she plans to teach abroad in South Korea, and then in Thailand, before pursuing her Masters followed by PhD. Her dream job is to work in Diplomacy or International law focusing on human rights. In her free time, she spends time with her friends, learning new languages, cooking, and planning new travel adventures. Some of her dream places to visit are Taiwan, Ireland, Czech Republic, and Japan.
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.