Tavares, who was himself an international student from the Dominican Republic when he first came to college in the U.S., has both his undergraduate and graduate degrees  from MSU. He graduated with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education and an M.A. in Recreation Administration. 

At his time in Western Michigan University, he has assisted in launching the first doctoral program in educational leadership offered abroad in the Dominican Republic. 

He previously also worked at MSU as assistant director of Recreative Services between 1994 and 1997.

"I see my role (here) as fostering and continuing the conversation between students, scholars and faculty," Tavares said during the forum, adding that he will continue to be an advocate for international students here at MSU.

He said that one of the most important issues he would focus on if he's chosen as director is to build bridges between international and domestic students. This can be done through making sure international students have the opportunity of living in a dorm room with American students. 

"I would say that the International organizations need to be very active in recruiting domestic students to join their organizations," Tavares said. "I don't know if that's happening, but I'd encourage that."