The aim of the business trip was to hear from Higher Education Institutions outside the UK in relation to how they incorporate the Catholic mission to benefit their staff and students.

The week-long tour involved visiting universities in the Kerala region to give keynote speeches, hear about staff and student experiences, what concerns they have in comparison to Leeds Trinity University and other UK universities, discuss ethical issues, and to hear more about their culture in relation to the HE sector in India.

Dr Mealey was joined by Leeds Trinity colleagues Katie Lupton, Lead for Academic International Partnerships, and Lisa Williams, Director of Global Engagement, for two days of the trip. Both were in India to promote the University’s nursing courses.

The visit also helped establish international partnerships with universities with an aim to promote Leeds Trinity’s values, learn from others and find opportunities to work together. The universities involved include the Sacred Heart College with a concert arena on campus and the Bharata Mata Institute of Management, with a mission to develop a generation of managers with a blend of theory and practice that includes a deep-rooted commitment to serve humanity through ethical business models.

Dr Ann Marie Mealey said: “It was a wonderful experience meeting with executives, international leads, faculty Deans, and students, at some of the leading and most prestigious Catholic Universities in India. I was particularly struck by how vibrant their student experience on campus is and how the issues and challenges facing students in HE is very similar to what students tell us in the UK.

“As well as learning from my counterparts in India, I also had the opportunity to soak up the culture, the vibrant scenes and enjoy what India has to offer. It was an enriching experience that will remain with me for a lifetime.

“I am looking forward to future collaborations globally with our new partners. India is a rich terrain for universities which share our mission and values in providing an equal opportunity and hope for all to access education now and for future generations.”

Professor Malcolm Todd, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Building strong relationships with universities across the world that share our Catholic mission is a key asset to our vision, mission and values, which are deeply rooted in diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity. Dr Ann Marie Mealey’s recent trip to India has been inspiring and I look forward to having wider conversations around the University, on how we can better apply our Catholic and universal mission for our community and partnerships to continue to thrive.”

For more information about Leeds Trinity University’s vision, mission, values and strategic plan, visit the website.