James Dorsett, director of the International Students and Scholars Office, is leaving Iowa State after nine years of service.

A farewell reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Gallery of the Memorial Union. 

Dorsett is planning to move to Michigan State University for a similar position on a larger scale.

Dorsett came to Iowa State in April 2006 and since then, the international student population has increased from 2,200 to almost 4,000.

During his time here, Dorsett has helped create new programs, innovations and met thousands of international students. Just in the last two years, he helped create a leadership and mentor program called “Cultural Investor.”

Dorsett is set to leave March 9. The interim director has not yet been determined, but Dorsett said Tom Hill, senior vice president for student affairs, will lead that decision.