Welcome to the #DragonFamily: Alex Kuraev

Meet Alex Kuraev, MSUM’s new assistant director of international recruitment & enrollment for the Center of Global Engagement. Alex works with international students to help them enroll at MSUM.


Q: What drew you to MSUM?  
A: The family environment of MSUM is a great attraction to me. Students and teachers know each other personally here and I like the small campus.  
 

Q: What is your favorite part about working with international students? 
A: 23 years ago, I came to the U.S. as an international student myself. I know firsthand all practical issues and academic problems related to being foreign in America and its higher education. This knowledge helps me work with international students.  
 

Q: How do you prefer to start your workday?  
A: I need to check my email to see if there is anything urgent. I get emails from all around the world at any time of the day.  
 

Q: What’s your go-to productivity trick? 
A: Having my phone ringer on keeps me on track and reminds me of meetings and events. My devices keep me organized.  
 

Q: What's your favorite piece of advice you've been given? 
A: Smile. I always repeat Charlie Chaplin’s quote, “all stupid things in this world are done with a serious face. A smile will save the world.”  
 

Q: What is your favorite animal? 
A: Cats. I always have a cat in my house.  
 

Welcome to the #DragonFamily, Alex!