From July 22 to 25, 2024, higher education leaders from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe gathered in Aarhus, Denmark, for the IV IAUP Seminar on Leadership Development for New Presidents and Emerging Leaders, organized together with Santander Universidades and Helnan Group. Over four days, experts from institutions and organizations across 12 countries discussed key topics in higher education and participated in individual mentoring sessions, sharing their extensive experience with new university leaders worldwide. Panel sessions provided valuable insights into the current and future landscape of higher education, while individual mentoring sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and a guided tour rounded out the comprehensive program, providing participants with personal guidance, professional connections, and cultural enrichment. 

 View recaps and photos here.

On July 17, 2024, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile hosted the IAUP Meeting in Chile for higher education leaders from around the world. The event began with a warm by university President Dr. Ignacio Sánchez, followed by a welcome address as well as a brief update on IAUP activities by Dr. Fernando León García, President of IAUP for 2021-2024 and President of CETYS University. Notable highlights include panel sessions on “Leadership Challenges in Higher Education: A Comparative Perspective" and “Successful Strategies in Internationalization across the Globe,” where institutional leaders discussed various challenges and shared their insights, a guided tour of UC Chile’s Central Campus and the signing of of memorandums of understanding between institutions. 

More than 40 higher education leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas convened in Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for the 2024 IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting in the UK: “Transforming higher education, transforming lives”. Held from March 7-9 in both London and Nottingham, the event featured more than 20 speakers who shared their expertise and perspective on the profound impact university presidents have on leadership, enrollment, student experiences, the workforce, industries and the world itself as higher education continues to evolve post-pandemic.

On May 31, 2024, IAUP hosted the Webinar "Spotlighting Leadership Strategies from Female Presidents at IAUP Institutions", featuring a panel of distinguished female university presidents from around the globe.

The IAUP announced its publication, "Spotlighting Female Leadership - Strategies, Stories, Perspectives," which highlights the leadership experiences of ten exceptional female presidents, chancellors, and rectors from IAUP member institutions.

On July 17, 2024, the IAUP convened its eighth Executive Committee Meeting for the term 2021-2024, with representatives from universities and organizations in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The IAUP recently released its latest in-depth research report, "Global Perspectives of College & University Leaders in the Post-Pandemic Era," which delves into the evolving leadership priorities among IAUP members.

On May 30, 2024, the IAUP hosted a virtual awards ceremony to announce the winners of the III IAUP International Business Model Student Competition, which drew more than 60 registrations and 40 final projects from 10 countries. Winners included: CETYS University, Daffodil International University, and Nottingham Trent University.

The IAUP proudly participated in the 2024 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo held in New Orleans, LA from May 28-31, 2024. The event facilitated meaningful connections among colleagues from around the world, fostering a collaborative environment essential for the advancement of international education.

The IAUP took part in the 11th World Women University Presidents Forum (WWUPF), held from May 24 to 29 in Zhengzhou, China. The forum, titled “Multicultural Backgrounds and Multinational Cooperation,” focused on promoting gender equality and advancing women’s roles in higher education leadership.

With Seoul Cyber University as the host, IAUP and CETYS University President Dr. Fernando León-García met with Presidents from various universities in South Korea. The meeting served as a platform for fostering closer ties between leading minds in education, signaling a promising trajectory for future partnerships and initiatives.

On March 7, 2024, the IAUP convened its seventh Executive Committee Meeting for the term 2021-2024 in London. During the session, representatives from universities and organizations in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa assessed the ongoing activities of the organization, examined trends in new membership growth, and outlined activities for the current year, which include the 20th Triennial Conference, among others.

The 9th Eurasia Higher Education Summit was held in Istanbul, Turkey, from February 27-29, 2024, bringing together approximately 2,000 attendees under the theme “Building Global Connections”. IAUP President Dr. Fernando León-García delivered opening remarks, and took part in a panel on leadership challenges and trends.

On March 21st, the 2024 CETYS-City University of Seattle Presidential Scholarships were awarded during a ceremony hosted jointly under the leadership of Dr. Randy Frisch, City University of Seattle President, and Dr. Fernandoón Le Gacía, President of CETYS University and the IAUP.

Dr. Devorah Lieberman, President Emerita of the University of La Verne (ULV) and IAUP Executive Committee member, was honored with two prestigious recognitions: she was inducted into the 2023 Hall of Champions by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and awarded the title of 2024 Legacy Woman of the Year by the California State Senate on March 16, 2024.

A startup incubated at UM6P has been nominated as Morocco’s representative at the World Summit Award 2024. Additionally, on January 24, 2024, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) inaugurated its first branch in Paris, establishing a crucial connection between Morocco and Africa, and France and Europe.

An article was published in University World News titled “Pearls of Wisdom: Expert Mentorship for New HE Leaders,” where Paul Cochrane explored the evolving strategies and insights of newly appointed higher education leaders as they address their most pressing challenges, drawing on experiences shared by participants at the III IAUP Seminar on Leadership Development for New and Emerging Leaders, held in late 2023 in Doha, Qatar.

In an article by Poorna Rodrigo titled “Understanding Local Needs Can Give Universities the Edge,” published on March 12, 2024, the importance of universities aligning their programs and initiatives with the specific needs of their local communities was emphasized, drawing insights the IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting hosted by Nottingham Trent University in England.

Published on March 14, 2024, Poorna Rodrigo’s article “COVID Was a Wake-Up Call! Not All Universities Heard It” reflects on the responses of universities to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on insights from the IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting hosted by Nottingham Trent University in England.