Educational advancement, the building of philanthropic and civic engagement, is increasing across the Asia-Pacific region. This is evidenced, not only by the growth in philanthropic investment to education and research institutions but also through their vital importance and role in community, society building and the success of the region. At this time, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education is proud to announce the appointment of the first chair to the CASE Asia-Pacific Regional Council, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University.

Since her appointment as President and Vice-Chancellor in 2014, Professor Gardner has championed advancement activities at Monash and advocated strongly for deeper community and industry engagement across Australian universities. Her leadership on behalf of universities and her deep record of engagement throughout the Asia-Pacific will bring invaluable insight to CASE’s activities in the region.

“Education is fundamental to unlocking human potential and research drives all discovery and innovation. Schools, colleges, and universities are vital to growing prosperity. By helping education and research providers to better engage with their communities, share the impact of their work and to form new partnerships, CASE provides an invaluable contribution to collaboration and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. As new Chair of CASE Asia-Pacific, I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the organisation’s record of contributions and further advance education, research, and innovation in the region,” says Professor Gardner. 

Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of CASE, said, “Having a leader of the calibre of Professor Gardner at the helm of the new Asia-Pacific Regional Council underscores the importance of institutional leaders in advancing education and research. She brings to CASE a deep understanding of the opportunities for advancing institutions in the region through her impressive international experience in the sector. Her leadership will provide CASE with valuable guidance as CASE builds on its support for the region under this new volunteer leadership structure.”   

Earlier this year, CASE members globally approved a new volunteer leadership structure that establishes Councils in each of the organisation’s four regions: Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and US-Canada. The Regional Councils will set strategy, advise on member growth and retention opportunities, and ensure that CASE’s programs, products and services continue to meet the needs of members within the region. The CASE Asia-Pacific Regional Council is the first to convene.

CASE believes in advancing education to transform lives and society. As a global nonprofit membership association of educational institutions, CASE helps develop the communities of professional practice that build institutional resilience and success in challenging times. The communities include staff engaged in alumni relations, advancement services, communications, fundraising, government relations, marketing and student recruitment. CASE is volunteer-led and uses the intellectual capital of senior practitioners to build capacity and capability across the world.