According to Institute Secretary Karma Rana, less than three weeks
after reaching out to the former faculty diaspora through a personal
email, President Worsak has been deluged with goodwill and offers of
support.
On October 17, the president communicated his vision for tapping the
enormous expertise possessed by those who once taught at AIT. He
explained that following their academic tenure in Thailand, hundreds
have gone on to distinguish themselves at institutes and universities
in their home countries across Asia, North America, Europe and
Australia.
President Worsak said many former faculty still express great passion
for AIT and have offered to help the institute however they can,
without expecting any monetary return. So in late October he invited
all ex-faculty “who had AIT in their heart” to complete a survey
indicating the form of professional support they could offer.
As of November 5, AIT received 85 survey replies from former faculty
containing advice and suggestions on ways in which they could be
associated with the institute, said Mr. Rana, adding that many more are
expected. Some alumni who now work in the academe and research and
development also replied to the survey, Mr. Rana added.
Cyprus-based Prof. Dencho Batanov, who taught computer science at AIT
from 1992-2005, remarked: “This is the best ever action of an AIT
President regarding the relationship with former faculty members. We
remain AITians forever.”
Central to President Worsak’s plan is that former faculty can maintain
their professional affiliation with AIT by using AIT's ID, business
card and email address. In addition, AIT would provide a common office
space with full-time secretarial support, whenever former faculty are
present at AIT, the president pledged.
He writes: “Although the association will be based on a voluntary
basis, 'Distinguished Adjunct Faculty' can be remunerated based on
specific services to be rendered to AIT Schools, research projects or
other fund generating units, by providing course teaching, research,
outreach, consulting and developing new academic curricula.”
“This is a very good move and is suited to the unique nature of AIT. I
am happy to be supportive in every way I can,” said Professor R.
Sadananda, who taught at AIT from 1985-2004 and is now based at
Griffith University in Australia.
President Worsak sees the initiative as a way for former faculty to
maintain their social connections with colleagues from yesteryear, and
to provide them professional opportunities for continued service to the
institute and the wider AIT community.