About the Intensive English Center (IEC) at TSU

Vladimir Betancur B., M.Ed.
Director
E-mail: vbedoya@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1-615-963-6911

Vladimir S. Betancur is from Medellín, Colombia, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education and served for over 12 years as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructor at leading schools. In 2015, he enrolled at Tennessee State University (TSU) to complete his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, graduating in 2017. He is now the Director for the Intensive English Center at TSU, where he develops curriculum, plans events, and organizes excursions for international students. He is also pursuing his doctorate at TSU, specializing in educational leadership.

Mr. Betancur is committed to supporting international students and expanding opportunities for teachers and students in Latin America to improve education. He has delivered several presentations on ESL, the internationalization of campuses, and English Medium of Instruction, in which he has shared his experience and expertise on the implementation of ESL programs and the life of an international student at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Brandi Myers
Assistant Director / DSO
E-mail: bmyers6@tnstate.edu 
Phone: +1-615-963-7274

Brandi Myers is the Assistant Director and instructor at the Intensive English Center at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville. She holds a master's degree in TESOL from Arizona State University and another in Curriculum and Instructional Design from Austin Peay State University. With a diverse background in Teaching English as a foreign language, Brandi has garnered extensive experience in the United States and abroad.

Brandi specializes in TOEFL preparation, academic English, and pronunciation, having taught at public schools and language institutes in South Korea. Since joining TSU, she has been instrumental in delivering top-quality Intensive English courses, making TSU a preferred destination for English learners.

Currently, Brandi is enhancing her expertise through workshops focused on international student services and visas. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, hiking, and reading. Dedicated to university-level English language training, Brandi is committed to helping students succeed in the best English courses in Tennessee. Join her at Tennessee State University's Intensive English Center and embark on your English learning journey in Nashville today.

Beyza Aypay
Instructor
E-mail: baypay@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1-615-963-6911

Beyza Aypay is an ESL specialist and part-time instructor at Tennessee State University’s Intensive English Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching with honours from Anadolu University. She worked as an intern English teacher in Turkey. She holds a Master of Arts in Multilingual Education from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan.

Beyza has taught English to a diverse range of students across different age groups and proficiency levels. Her teaching experience includes speaking, academic writing, and IELTS preparation for college students in Turkish and English lessons for middle school and kindergarten students in Turkey. She worked as a volunteer adult ESL instructor in Nashville, Tennessee.

Beyza is fluent in Turkish and English, has basic proficiency in Kazakh and Russian which she acquired during her studies in Kazakhstan. Beyza brings a multilingual perspective to her work. She has enhanced her professional qualifications through specialized training in communicative grammar teaching, literacy practices, and digital literacy. She continues to explore how emerging technologies can transform language education into multicultural contexts.

Anfernee Welch
Instructor
E-mail: awelch16@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1-615-963-6911

Anfernee is a TESOL Certified teacher who graduated with a B.A. in English and Intercultural Studies from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. He has spent several years teaching between Asia, Europe, and the United States. He isn't bilingual by any means but has studied Mandarin and can order coffee in several other languages. His most prized experience as an educator was in Athens, Greece teaching students from several backgrounds and age ranges. To this day he keeps up with several of those students and many of them, who were asylum seekers, have developed their English to a point of being able to work and continue their Education despite their circumstances. He joins the IEC Program at TSU with an excitement to develop his skills further as an educator. 

Natalia Vanegas
Volunteer
E-mail: nvanegas@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1-615-963-6911

Natalia Vanegas is part of the Intensive English Center in Nashville at TSU as a volunteer since January 2024. She was born in Medellín, Colombia, and is a lawyer specializing in Procedural Law. Her experience focuses on defending the rights of children and adolescents, particularly in the adoption system. She worked for the Colombian State in child protection and was a law professor. She has been a student at the IEC for a year and a half. She says: “I love serving the IEC students and sharing my passion for learning.”