The Foundation’s leadership is undergoing significant changes this summer and fall. We are pleased to announce that TIRF Trustee Dr. Jun Liu has been unanimously elected by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to serve as TIRF’s next President.
Dr. Liu will begin his term as TIRF President at the end of the Foundation’s September Board meeting, replacing current TIRF President Dr. Kathi Bailey, following her 13 years of leading the Foundation. Dr. Liu was first elected to TIRF’s Board of Trustees in 2010 and has been serving as TIRF’s first Vice President since 2016, after the position was first established in TIRF’s bylaws.
Development of TIRF’s programs and finances has long been an area of focus for Dr. Liu. According to him, the Foundation’s mission is as critical as ever in the global language education industry. His more recent experiences as Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Affairs, Dean of International Academic Programs and Services, and Professor of Linguistics at Stony Brook University; as Chief Academic Officer and Senior Executive Vice President at VIPKID; and now as Rector at the City University of Macau have provided him opportunities to expand his network worldwide and raise awareness of the value of TIRF’s work.
Dr. Liu was asked to comment about being elected to serve as TIRF’s seventh President. He said the following: “I am humbled and excited to become the next President of TIRF, thanks to the trust of the Board. My goal for the next five years is to enhance the image of TIRF globally; support TIRF awards, events, and activities with financial stability; network and collaborate with other key associations and stakeholders worldwide; and make TIRF a recognizable and sustainable Foundation in the field for many years to come.”
When asked to share her thoughts on TIRF’s presidency change, Dr. Bailey said, “I am so pleased that Jun has taken on the role of TIRF’s President. His experience, energy, and international stature will all serve the Foundation well. Also, his positive, can-do attitude and his sense of humor are wonderful assets for someone in this leadership position.”
Many supporters reading this update will wonder what Dr. Bailey’s future role with TIRF, if any, will be. We are pleased (and grateful) to share that she wants to continue serving the Foundation as a Trustee.
Over the summer, TIRF will focus on identifying and electing its future Vice President. The current TIRF Trustee who will serve in this capacity will work closely with Dr. Liu and the Board of Trustees to lead the Foundation’s future work in English language education research.
Please join us in congratulating both Dr. Liu on his election as TIRF’s President and Dr. Bailey for her outstanding 13 years of presidential service to the Foundation!
