Marianna Panossi

Marianna Panossi is a senior executive in higher education with over 25 years of strategic leadership in international student services, regulatory compliance, and global enrollment management. As the Dean of Global Student Services and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) at Minerva, she leads the university’s Global Student Services, with critical functions including Accommodations, State Authorizations, and Prohibited Sexual Conduct policy implementation.

Since joining Minerva in 2012, Marianna has been a driving force in building the university's global infrastructure for international student enrollment. She played a pivotal role in securing and maintaining Minerva's certifications with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allowing the university to operate across seven countries. Under her leadership, Minerva’s international student population has flourished, benefiting from a seamless compliance framework and innovative support systems.

Marianna has held senior leadership positions at top institutions including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Claremont Graduate University, where she directed international student and scholar services, managed immigration portfolios, and developed policies to support both academic and cultural integration. Her leadership has been instrumental in enhancing global engagement, driving enrollment growth, and ensuring regulatory integrity in complex environments.

As a key member of the Provost Leadership team, Marianna works at the intersection of student success, institutional strategy, and compliance. She has been responsible for navigating and adapting to geopolitical shifts, such as changing immigration policies and international relations, which often require real-time adjustments to institutional policy and procedure. Her expertise spans international admissions, government contracts, SEVIS compliance, policy development, and managing high-stakes global partnerships. Marianna’s ability to incorporate geopolitical developments into her policymaking—balancing regulatory requirements with student needs—has made her an invaluable asset to the university.

Fluent in multiple languages and with a wealth of experience working alongside diplomatic missions and international partners, Marianna is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues and craft strategic policies that safeguard the academic success and well-being of international students, while ensuring full compliance with federal regulations.