Ann Austin and Kris Renn, along with Professor Punya Mishra in CEPSE, visited the Azim Premji University (APU) in Bangalore, India for a week in early February (February 6-10, 2012). MSU is collaborating with the Azim Premji Foundation in support of the Foundation’s work in developing a new university to prepare educational leaders focused on reforming education at all levels in India. The purpose of the visit was to enable the MSU team to learn more about the priorities, activities, and efforts of APU and to explore possible common interests and ways for MSU to support the development of APU and possibly engage in collaborative research. During the visit, we participated in scheduled conversations with institutional leaders and faculty members to share ideas in support of the developing university. Ann was involved in conversations primarily concerning the pedagogical and research issues, the organization of academic work, and faculty development and evaluation. Kris focused more on student issues and the development of an institutional approach to student affairs. Throughout the visit, we were sharing perspectives on—as well as learning more about—organizational development, innovation, and change in higher education. Our hosts are very inspiring in terms of their commitment, energy, and imagination about possibilities in higher education.
In addition to extensive meetings with university leaders and faculty members, they saw other aspects of India. During the latter part of the week, they visited a rural school as well as two urban schools for children of migrant workers. They were very impressed with the dedication of the teachers and the enthusiasm for learning expressed by the students. They also sampled a bit of the sights, sounds, and tastes of Bangalore, thanks to their gracious hosts.