On February 13, 2026, a delegation from Assumption University of Thailand (AU) visited the Thunderbird School of Global Management and Arizona State University (ASU) to explore new avenues for academic collaboration. The visit marks a promising beginning for potential partnerships centered on global learning, innovation, and leadership development.
At Thunderbird’s vibrant downtown Phoenix Campus, the AU delegation was warmly received by the Thunderbird ambassadors for a guided tour showcasing Thunderbird’s rich history, strategic focus, and its deep cultural diversity. The delegation also engaged in an insightful discussion with Professor Dr. Lena Booth, deputy dean and finance professor of Thunderbird Academic Enterprise, who shared Thunderbird’s inclusive and future-oriented initiatives through programs such as Executive Education, 16 specialized concentrations within the Master of Global Management, and the Najafi 100 Million Learners’ global initiative.
Professor Dr. Lena Booth, deputy dean and finance professor of Thunderbird Academic Enterprise
Dr. Minu Ipe, Vice Chair and Managing Director, and Dawn Straw, Executive Director, for discussions on innovation, leadership development
Christopher Johnson, Senior Director for Global Partnership Development
Fannie Tam, Director for Academic Unit Engagement at Global Academic Initiatives (GAI)
In the afternoon, the delegation continued to ASU’s University Design Institute (UDI), meeting with Dr. Minu Ipe, Vice Chair and Managing Director, and Dawn Straw, Executive Director, for discussions on innovation, leadership development, and collaboration with more than 140 higher education institutions globally. Further exchanges with Christopher Johnson, Senior Director for Global Partnership Development, and Fannie Tam, Director for Academic Unit Engagement at Global Academic Initiatives (GAI), provided deeper insights into ASU’s global engagement model.
The visit concluded with an inspiring tour of Dreamscape Learn, ASU’s immersive virtual reality learning facility showcasing its innovative approach to experiential education.
AU extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Lena Booth, Ghazal Khorshidi, (Senior Director, Executive Operations & Community Outreach, Office of the Dean, Thunderbird School of Global Management), Dr. Chainarong Rungruengarporn (Dean, Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics), and Dr. Nichanan Sakolvieng (Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs) for their vital support and contributions that made this visit a meaningful first step toward future collaboration.
WRITER: THANANPORN SETHJINDA
More Information about Assumption University of Thailand (AU), please visit:
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