Ann Austin is the director of a new Michigan State University Institute for Higher Education in the Global Context.

This Institute will focus on research and policy analysis, education, and outreach concerning the opportunities and challenges associated with higher education in the global context. The current year, 2008-09, is a planning year for Institute programs and activities (including selecting a permanent name). A formal launch of the new Institute will occur in 2009.

As part of the planning process for the new Institute, Dr. Austin traveled to Macau, SAR, PR China, from September 24-26 to attend the Asia-Pacific Prepatory Conference for the 2009 World Conference on Higher Education. The conference brought together representatives from higher education throughout the world to discuss developments, challenges, and issues in higher education in the Asia-Pacific region.