US West Coast Study Tour

25 - 30 April 2027

APPLY NOW

Led by Professor Evelyn Welch

Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Bristol

Applications are now open for senior leaders from universities around the world to take part in the 2027 CASE Global Leaders Programme, visiting Arizona and Los Angeles in April 2027.

The programme will visit leading institutions including Arizona State University and provide delegates with an outstanding opportunity to see how American universities are approaching global reputation, advocacy and advancement in the context of the challenges posed by geopolitical turbulence, culture wars and declining social license for universities around the world.

Each CASE Global Leaders Programme Cohort will consist of:

  • an exceptional international study tour to some of the world’s most innovative institutions and organisations beyond the sector, led by a President or Vice-Chancellor from an internationally renowned institution;

  • a carefully curated cohort of University Executive Board (Cabinet) members with a variety of institutional responsibilities who share an interest in leadership development, insights and networks relating to reputation, advancement and advocacy. 

  • invitations to the “Global Affairs in Action” Masterclass and VIP Dinner series – featuring leading guest speakers global higher education and beyond the sector;

  • an invitation to a ‘Cohorts Collide’ workshop of facilitated exchange and engagement with another incoming CASE Global Leaders Programme Cohort, followed by a networking reception;

  • a ‘Global Peer’ brokerage service for each delegate that will facilitate an introduction to a global senior leader based on development goals;

  • an invitation to attend and present at the CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement conference in the USA for the July following completion of your programme;

  • an invitation to attend special CASE Global Leaders events scheduled at CASE Europe Annual Conference or CASE Asia-Pacific Annual Conference

Provisional Programme


Sunday 25 April

Arrive Tempe, Phoenix, Arizona

Monday 26 April

Visit Arizona State University

Tuesday 27 April

Travel to Los Angeles, California

Evening reception and dinner with Los Angeles university advancement community

Wednesday 28 April

British Consulate General Knowledge Diplomacy Reception

Option to host alumni engagement activities

Thursday 29 April

TBC: Los Angeles Sport, Film, Culture roundtable

Friday 30 April

TBC: Visit to a Los Angeles university

End of study tour

APPLY NOW

Hear from past participants

  • "A timely and highly relevant opportunity to understand the role that philanthropy and advancement has in the global reputation and standing on key institutions in the US. By meeting with the key leaders across a variety of different institutions and organisation I had a front row seat to how it worked from both an operational and strategic perspective."

    Lucinda Parr, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar, University of Bristol

  • "The Global Leaders Programme was an unforgettable experience that helped connect me to an unparalleled network of UK and International advancement leaders. Amid uncertain and challenging times for higher education worldwide, the programme is a rare opportunity for university senior leaders to take time out of their day jobs to gain valuable insights and ideas on how to adapt and respond to the opportunities (and threats) facing us. Highly recommend.”

    Kirsty Walker, Vice-President (External Engagement), UCL

  • "A real privilege to spend quality time with a top quality cohort of leaders from the UK, in the front seat of what is going on in the USA right now - thank you CASE for a stimulating tour that has changed the way I think about so many things."

    Professor Rachel Mills CBE, Senior Vice President (Academic), King’s College London

  • “In the context of significant political and financial pressures on the HE sector, the programme provided a valuable opportunity to consider proactive and innovative ways to ensure the ongoing value of universities. It was a rare chance to pause and connect with other university leaders across countries and I appreciated their willingness to share so openly.”

    Professor Jessica Palmer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement, University of Otago.

  • “Participating in the GLP was an extraordinary experience. It was an opportunity to meet with sector leaders and peers, to share my experiences and challenges and learn from theirs. It was also a fantastic programme of visits and conversations with university leadership teams as well as leaders of international organisations. I learnt so much and met people I expect to remain in contact with for the rest of my professional life.”

    Khadir Meer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Operations, and Clerk, Board of Trustees, SOAS University of London

  • "I came away with important insights for my own institution as well as UK HE. For busy senior leaders, this week is very much worth your time!"

    Professor Jennifer Hudson, Vice-Provost (Faculties), University College London

  • “Following the visit to the United Nations and the conversation facilitated there by CASE, I was able to develop a link between the UN’s SDG Academic programme and my university now co-hosts one of the UN’s Academic Hubs.”

    Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Business, Partnerships and Place, Newcastle University

Emma Darwin

Alex Favier

CASE Global Leaders Programme Leads

Contact us

If you would like to book a conversation with the CASE Global Leaders Programme Team to discuss the programme and how it can support you, or your university’s professional development goals, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

We can also arrange further conversations with our faculty or delegates who have attended previous cohorts. 

You can also contact your local CASE Global Office about this or any of our programmes. 

You can either use the contact form or reach us by email at info@casegloballeaders.com.