Saint Louis University (SLU) welcomed delegates from the Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU), Mae Hong Son Campus, Thailand on 5 June 2025 for a meeting to explore academic collaborations and further strengthen ties between the two institutions. The parties met at the Alejandro Roces Boardroom, Fr. Jose Burgos Building- Administrative Center, SLU Main Campus.
Facilitated by the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA) Director, Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD, the collaboration meeting was attended by the Dean of the School of Advanced Studies (SAS), Faridah Kristi Cabbigat-Wetherick, PhD; the Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), Prof. Elizabeth H. Bautista, RN, PhD; and SAS Graduate Program Coordinator of Nursing, Prof. Mark Job Bascos, RN, PhD. Also in attendance were counterparts from the CMRU Mae Hong Son Campus led by the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and International Collaborator, Prof. Thaworn Lorga, RN, PhD, were Assistant Professor Panpimol Sukwong, Phd, Assistant Professor Pattarika Panya, Ms. Peeraphan Apiwongwan, and Ms. Prapatsorn Thammatha.
The meeting advanced several key objectives:
- Opportunities for Advanced Studies
The meeting discussed the anticipated intake process for CMRU faculty and nurse graduate students enrolling in the SAS Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program or the School of Medicine’s (SOM) Doctor of Medicine program, aiming to broaden international educational pathways.
Dr. Bascos provided an overview of the doctoral program in nursing as well as the Accelerated Pathway for Medicine (APMed) Program. Meanwhile, Dr. Busbus highlighted the possibility of developing a short-term transition program for incoming Thai students, offered through SLU’s Languages and International Studies Unit, focused on English language enhancement and cultural immersion prior to the start of their academic studies. - Continued student and staff exchange programs
Beyond the Nursing program, CMRU also conveyed its interest in collaboration opportunities with the Management, Information Technology, and Education programs of SLU. CMRU also expressed its commitment to continuing collaboration with SLU through joint research programs, including conferences, as well as educational field visits by Louisian nursing masteral students to CMRU.
University officials expressed optimism about the visit, emphasizing its potential to enhance nursing education and foster long-term collaboration grounded in a shared university culture. Notably, both SLU and CMRU serve diverse student populations, with SLU enrolling indigenous and regional groups, and CMRU providing education to nine ethnic communities.
“By coming to SLU this time, I want to see the bigger picture of how Chiang Mai can benefit from SLU’s wisdom,” Dr. Lorga stated, referencing SLU’s mandate, “Wisdom Builds,” which closely aligns with CMRU’s philosophy, “Wisdom Grows.” He added that he looks forward to observing how students develop through the wisdom and capacity nurtured at SLU.
Dean Wetherick emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “The partnership means we are trying our best to enhance what we offer to our students, faculty and stakeholders. Through the guidance of OGRAA, we are able to sustain partnerships. We want to exchange views and perspectives, which are important for the students.” She also highlighted how such collaborations expand the program’s international reach.
Both institutions will be working towards formalizing the collaboration through an MOU, paving the way for a sustainable academic exchange.
The academic collaboration between SLU and CMRU aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnership of the Goals).
