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About the department

Educational Leadership at Payap University

A graduate department of the International College, serving Master’s and Ph.D. students in Chiang Mai while building an international academic profile.

Payap University

Payap University was established on 21 March 1974 as a private, non-profit institution founded by the Foundation of the Church of Christ in Thailand. The university motto is Truth – Service (สัจจะ-บริการ). The larger Mae Khao campus lies east of Chiang Mai and houses classrooms, administrative offices, the University Central Library, Luce Chapel, and the International College.

The International College

The International College is a faculty-level college of Payap University. It aspires to be the premier international college in Southeast Asia by 2028, recognized for academic excellence and for cultivating global citizens. Published college values include Academic Excellence, Resilience, Respect for Diversity, and Community Service. Students come from nearly 30 countries, and instruction in IC programs is in English (the Educational Leadership M.A. also offers a Chinese international-language track).

The Educational Leadership Department

The department offers the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (International Program). Dr. Chi Che is Head of the Educational Leadership Department. At Payap EL, he leads graduate programs serving Master’s and Ph.D. students while expanding the department’s international academic profile. The work is framed around Payap University’s commitment to Truth and Service — turning international partnerships into learning opportunities for students, educators, and institutions in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.

Mission and Vision

Payap University Educational Leadership Mission and Vision. Mission: The Educational Leadership Program at Payap University develops ethically grounded, globally minded, and innovation-ready educational leaders through constructivist and research-informed learning. We foster inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and the integration of theory, research, and real-world practice to serve educational institutions and communities with truth and service. Vision: To be a leading international Educational Leadership program that empowers transformative leaders to advance innovative, equitable, and globally responsive education.