Dr. John Pichtel, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Resources, in the College of Sciences and Humanities, has led an effort to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mahidol University in Thailand.   

Dr. Pichtel began this collaboration prior to the pandemic through discussions with institutional administrators and faculty at Mahidol University.  This MOU formally recognizes connections and opportunities between Ball State and Mahidol, which includes creative, faculty-led study abroad, global lifetime learning applications, graduate and faculty research, and visiting scholar exchanges.   

In general, MOU and international agreements are a tool for institutional internationalization and global development.  The Rinker Center for Global Affairs facilitates these connections through the office of Study Abroad and the office of Academic Engagement and Global Initiatives.  Faculty, or global partners, who are interested in global opportunities and collaborations should reach out to Rinker Center for Global Affairs for strategic support and assistance in these efforts.   

Good work Dr. Pichtel! We are glad to support internationalization and global development for the University in this way.