It is with deep honor and humility that I accept the role of President of IAUP for the 2024–2027 term. At a time of global shifts, higher education faces both critical challenges and immense opportunities. As leaders, we are entrusted to guide our institutions with vision, resilience, empathy, and a global perspective.
In this term, I propose we unite around four guiding pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship. These pillars reflect the core priorities we must embrace to not only survive but thrive in an evolving higher education landscape.
Strengthen institutional capacity to adapt, recover, and sustain excellence in volatile times.
Embrace new pedagogies, technologies, and practices especially thoughtful AI adoption to better serve our communities.
Empower leaders, students, and institutions to act ethically, inclusively, and with a sense of global responsibility.
IAUP is uniquely positioned to help us advance these goals through its global platform, regional engagement, and member network. Together, we will nurture stronger institutions, meaningful dialogue, and shared progress.
I deeply appreciate the confidence placed in me, and I look forward to working with the Executive Committee, our members, and partners across continents. May our collective efforts uplift higher education not only within our institutions, but across societies worldwide.
Warm regards,
Dr. Shawn Chen
President, IAUP
Chairman, Sias University
Building institutional strength and adaptability in times of uncertainty.
Fostering creative solutions and emerging strategies in teaching, research, and operations.
Expanding networks, partnerships, and knowledge exchange globally.
Enhanced regional programming and leadership development
Member-driven initiatives around AI, digital transformation, and sustainability
Greater engagement with UN agencies and global higher-ed actors
Publish reports, toolkits, and resources that support institutional leadership globally
Align with IAUP’s mission and contribute your voice, expertise, and vision to our global community of leaders
As IAUP enters its 2024–2027 triennium, we are committed to strategic focus areas that reflect both continuity and innovation. These priority domains will shape our institutional planning, regional engagement, and global impact over the next three years.
Strengthen IAUP’s presence in all regions by supporting regional conferences, workshops, and leadership dialogues.
Expand training, mentorship, and programs for current presidents and emerging leaders globally.
Ensure underrepresented voices are prioritized in IAUP’s decision making, programming, and resource allocation.
Assign regional leads to drive local initiatives.
We invite all member institutions to partner, contribute, and co-lead strategic initiatives. Whether through hosting regional events, participating in working groups, or piloting new models—you are an integral part of this roadmap.
