Director Ann Austin
Michigan State University expects to play a leading role in strengthening colleges and universities around the world through the establishment of a new multi-disciplinary institute.
The Global Institute for Higher Education at MSU, which opens in fall 2009, will capitalize on the university’s long tradition of international partnerships to offer specific programming aimed at the development needs of higher education institutions abroad.
These efforts can include joint research projects, program evaluation, curriculum design and professional development for administrators and instructional staff.
“MSU is frequently called upon to consult with universities in other countries as they address the unique educational needs of their nation and region,” said MSU Provost Kim Wilcox. “I am pleased to support this new institute, which will help MSU leverage and align its resources to help broaden our impact around the globe.”
The Global Institute will become a campus- and world-wide resource for professionals pursuing higher education development projects.
Director Ann Austin, a renowned professor of higher education, and her staff members also will conduct research on higher education issues within a global context and establish “floating hubs” in world regions that can benefit from connecting with MSU experts – and each other.
“As countries expand access to higher education and seek effective and efficient approaches to education, the Global Institute for Higher Education will make it possible to tap MSU expertise in instructional development, higher education administration and strategic planning,” said Jeffrey Riedinger, dean of International Studies and Programs at MSU. “At the same time, this is an opportunity to extend MSU’s international research capacity within the fields of higher education and higher education administration.”
As director, Austin represents one of several higher education faculty members at MSU who have extensive experience collaborating with universities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
“Our faculty is dedicated to incorporating global perspectives in our academic programs and to working hand-in-hand with international colleagues,” said Carole Ames, dean of the College of Education. “We look forward to the additional opportunities this Global Institute will bring.”