Reflecting on TIEC’s 40th Anniversary Year

TIEC’s 40th anniversary in 2025 was about more than marking a milestone. It was an opportunity to reflect on four decades of impact and to look ahead with intention. Over the course of the year, we gathered with our community to celebrate the relationships and shared values that continue to guide our work.

Now, as we begin 2026, we’re closing out our anniversary year by reflecting on those moments and reaffirming our commitment to advancing international education in Texas and around the world.

A Year Marked by Recognition

One of the most meaningful moments of our anniversary year came early, when the City of Austin officially recognized TIEC’s four decades of impact.

On September 5, 2025, Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed the first-ever TIEC Day in Austin, formally recognizing the Texas International Education Consortium for 40 years of service to students, institutions, and communities across the state and beyond. As we celebrated our official anniversary, we were especially grateful for the Austin community that has long supported TIEC’s work to expand the opportunities international education creates for Texas.

This recognition was a powerful reminder that while TIEC’s work is global in reach, it is deeply rooted in Texas.

United for Impact: Celebrating 40 Years Together

The sense of community carried through to our anniversary celebration, United for Impact, held on November 5, 2025, in Houston. Surrounded by members, partners, and friends who have shaped our consortium’s story, we came together to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

From reflections on TIEC’s early years to inspiring conversations about the future of international education, the evening underscored what’s possible when institutions collaborate across borders and sectors.

Watch the recap video of the evening's program:

A Night of Insight and Connection

From reflections on TIEC’s past to inspiring conversations about the future of international education, the evening brought together leaders from higher education, diplomacy, and global engagement. Highlights included our “From Local to Global” panel, a keynote fireside chat, and heartfelt moments of appreciation and recognition.

We were honored to hear from:

• Jennifer Cowley, Ph.D., President of The University of Texas at Arlington and Chair of TIEC’s Board of Directors (bio)
• Sonia Feigenbaum, Ph.D., Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement & Chief International Officer, The University of Texas at Austin (bio)
• Consul General Robert Hull, Consul General of Ireland to Texas & the Southern Central United States (bio)

‍‍Each of these speakers reflected on how international education shapes institutions and communities and the role TIEC has played in progressing that work over the past 40 years.

Honoring Excellence and Leadership

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of three exceptional leaders whose work embodies TIEC’s mission and values. We were proud to present anniversary awards to:

• TIEC Country Partner Award: Malaysia TIEC was proud to recognize Malaysia, one of our earliest and most enduring international partners. TIEC’s formal founding in 1985 grew out of early collaborations in Shah Alam, creating opportunities for Texas faculty to teach abroad and laying the foundation for the consortium. Nearly four decades later, Malaysia remains one of TIEC’s strongest partners. The award was accepted by Nurul Yasmin Abdullah, Minister Counselor for Education Malaysia at the Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, DC.
• ‍Outstanding Affiliate Member Award: Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University The Outstanding Affiliate Member Award was presented to Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, TIEC’s inaugural affiliate member and a valued partner for nearly two decades. From TIEC’s early role supporting PMU’s establishment to ongoing collaboration on its teaching hospital, this partnership reflects TIEC’s mission to connect Texas expertise with global vision. PMU was unable to be present, and their congratulations were shared during the program.

• Outstanding Texas Member Award: Ambassador Michael Pelletier The Outstanding Texas Member Award honored Michael Pelletier for his leadership and impact through his work at the University of Houston’s Institute for Global Engagement and his service on TIEC’s Operating Council. The award was accepted on his behalf by Maggie Mahoney, Director of Global Engagement at the University of Houston.

Their contributions have had a lasting impact on international education in Texas and beyond, and we are grateful for their leadership, commitment, and service.

We were honored to host representatives from our affiliate members, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Roehampton, London, who traveled from the UK to attend, along with TIEC’s newest board member, President Tomikia LeGrande of Prairie View A&M University, and members of Houston’s diplomatic corps representing France, the Philippines, Germany, and Austria. 

We also extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsors, Studyportals and LANGUAGECERT, whose partnership helped make the celebration possible.

View the full photo gallery here.‍

Gratitude for the Community Behind the Work

Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout this anniversary year in Austin, at our celebration, and from afar. To those who couldn’t be with us in person but shared their support and well wishes, your encouragement meant more than you know.

Our team closes this anniversary year with full hearts and deep gratitude for the allies who share this mission every day, every year. We are proud of what TIEC has accomplished over the past 40 years and energized for what comes next.

We look forward to serving you and Texas for the next 40 years.