Program

Registration Details

Orlando, FL
United States
Event Date Event Time Registration Deadline Registration
May 26, 2026 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Coming Soon
NAFSA 2026 Global by Design

Reimagining Global Leadership in the Age of AI

Tuesday, May 26, 2026
1:30–3:00 p.m. EDT 
Orlando, Florida

NAFSA welcomes you to join us at the 2026 Symposium on Leadership on May 26 in Orlando, a special signature program included with registration for the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo. No additional registration or fee required to attend!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education, requiring senior international officers to make informed decisions that balance innovation, efficiency, and ethical responsibility. This symposium convenes global higher education leaders to examine how AI is reshaping international strategy, operations, and leadership practice. Through peer exchange and discussion, participants will learn about actionable frameworks for responsible AI adoption, strategies for risk mitigation and governance, and insights to align AI initiatives with institutional mission and global engagement goals. Leaders will leave better equipped to guide their institutions with clarity, confidence, and strategic foresight in an AI-enabled environment. 

The Symposium on Leadership is a NAFSA Signature Program offered by the International Education Leadership Knowledge Community.

Speakers

Michael Fung, PhD

Michael Fung Headshot
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Keynote at 2026 Symposium on Leadership
Dr. Michael Fung is the Executive Director of the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE) at Tecnologico de Monterrey, leading the University’s efforts to create, disseminate, and apply research-based educational innovation, to transform higher education and lifelong learning around the world...
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Chad Hoseth, PhD

Chad Hoseth
Colorado State University
Chair, International Education Leadership Knowledge Community
Chad Hoseth is the assistant vice provost for international affairs at Colorado State University (CSU), where he helps shape and advance the university’s internationalization strategy. He focuses on building impactful global partnerships; expanding international opportunities for students, faculty...
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Alejandra M. Vilalta-Perdomo, PhD

Alejandra Vilalta-Perdomo 2025
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Co-Leader, Programs & Events, IEL KC
Alejandra M. Vilalta-Perdomo has 30+ years' experience developing international programs and initiatives leading negotiations with institutions in different continents. She is a senior member at TEC de Monterrey in Mexico, where she serves as Director of International Academic Development & Global...
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Kiki Caruson, PhD

Kiki Caruson Headshot
University of South Florida
Kiki Caruson is the Vice President for USF World and the Senior International Officer for the University of South Florida (USF). She is responsible for the university’s global activities and its international engagement strategy across the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Her...
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Wendy Lin-Cook, PhD

Wendy Lin-Cook Headshot
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dr. Wendy Lin-Cook is Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an R1 research university. She holds a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University and an MIT Certificate in Generative AI for Educators. A strategic enrollment executive with over 20 years of success driving...
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Blair Thomson

Blair Thomson Headshot
The University of Mississippi
Blair Thomson is the Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad at the University of Mississippi, leading strategic initiatives to expand global engagement and foster international collaboration. She has presented worldwide on comparative legal systems and international education. Her...
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Symposium on Leadership International Education Leadership Knowledge Community