Rodolfo (Rudie) Altamirano, Ph.D.

Dr. Rodolfo “Rudie” Altamirano serves as the Executive Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Executive Director of Immigration Services and Integration Programs at the University of Pennsylvania. In these dual roles, he provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing campus-wide initiatives that enhance global engagement, foster cross-cultural understanding, and ensure high-quality services for international students, scholars, faculty, staff, exchange visitors, and community members.

With advanced degrees from the United States, Dr. Altamirano has dedicated his career to advancing international education and global partnerships. A recognized leader in the field, he has held multiple regional and national leadership positions within NAFSA: The Association for International Educators, serving as an elected national representative for the Council of Foreign Student Advisors (CAFSS) and later as the national Chair of the Knowledge Community for International Students and Scholars (KCISSS).

Dr. Altamirano is a strategic thinker and an innovative leader, committed to organizational excellence, business process improvements, and talent development. He leads his team through strategic planning exercises and project management, ensuring that ISSS remains at the forefront of international student and scholar support. His visionary approach has led to the creation of cutting-edge programs that address the evolving needs of Penn’s diverse global community.

A sought-after expert in immigration policy, cross-cultural communication, and conflict resolution, Dr. Altamirano has conducted over 500 workshops at national and international levels. His leadership extends across numerous initiatives at Penn, including the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), International Partners Outreach Group (IPOG), Penn Annual Roundtable with Stakeholders (PARTS), and International Student Table for Advocacy and Relations (ISTAR). He also oversees the prestigious Penn World Scholars program and is the founding visionary behind impactful programs such as the Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP), Forerunner Program, iCommunicate, and Penn Global Mosaic.

Beyond his professional expertise, Dr. Altamirano is deeply passionate about the voices and well-being of Penn’s international students and scholars. He sincerely cares about their experiences, ensuring that they feel heard, valued, and supported. His open-door policy reflects his commitment to welcoming conversations, addressing concerns, and fostering meaningful engagement—whether formally through structured programs or informally through personal interactions. He actively cultivates respectful and meaningful dialogues through programs like ILP, Penn Global Mosaic, Forerunner, iCommunicate, Penn World Scholars, and the Brunch with Dr. Rudie series, reinforcing his goal of creating a home away from home for Penn’s international community.

A seasoned traveler, Dr. Altamirano has immersed himself in cultures across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, embracing the profound learning experiences that come with global exploration. He continues to build bridges between Penn and the world, fostering partnerships with campus members and key stakeholders in the Philadelphia community, further advancing Penn’s global engagement efforts.