On Monday, January 13, 2025, IAU hosted a special ceremony honoring Cyndi McLeod, CEO of Global University Systems Canada. The event occurred at IAU’s Orange County campus, attended by McLeod’s guests and IAU leaders. Dr. Ryan Doan, Dr. Alex Sherm, and Professor John Strain. Dr. Ryan Doan conferred the prestigious IAU Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Cyndi McLeod is an acclaimed executive with over 30 years of leadership in international education. She specializes in forming strategic partnerships and driving educational growth worldwide. As CEO of GUS Canada, she has expanded the organization’s network to include eight renowned brands and over 190 global partnerships.
Dr. McLeod holds an MBA in International Business and Southeast Asian Studies from Asia Pacific University. She also studied Mandarin at Beijing Foreign Studies University on a Chinese Government Scholarship. Before joining GUS Canada, she led major international initiatives at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and Royal Roads University (RRU).
At TRU World, she founded successful joint venture programs in China and built partnerships with Indigenous groups in Latin America. Her leadership earned her a Distinguished Service and Leadership Award. While at RRU, she led award-winning international marketing campaigns and developed recruitment channels across multiple continents.
Since becoming CEO of GUS Canada in 2017, McLeod has overseen the launch of the University of Niagara Falls Canada and led the rebranding of GUS Medical and Veterinary institutions. Her efforts earned her prestigious awards, including the BCCIE Lifetime Achievement Award and the PIEoneer Outstanding Contributions to the Industry Award. Dr. McLeod also spearheaded the articulation agreement between IAU and University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF).
Dr. Ryan Doan commended Dr. McLeod’s contributions to global education during the ceremony, highlighting her role in fostering international collaboration. McLeod expressed gratitude for the honor and praised IAU’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
This event reflects IAU’s commitment to celebrating leaders who transform global education.
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