Dr. Matlhaope Visits Austin Christian University, Explores New Frontiers of Collaboration

Austin, Texas — November 22.

Dr. Master O. Matlhaope, Secretary General of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) and the Chancellor of Africa International University (AIU), paid an official visit to Austin Christian University where he met with the University Provost, Dr. Brent Shaw, and University Advisor and Professor, Dr. Judd W. Staples. The discussions centred on strengthening academic partnerships and exploring opportunities for collaboration between AEA institutions and Austin Christian University.

Located in the heart of Austin—the global technology hub that hosts major innovators such as Tesla, SpaceX, Dell, Oracle, Meta, General Motors IT Research, and Apple—Austin Christian University is a Christian university well positioned to integrate faith and technology. The University equips its students to develop their craft through practical AI-native business-driven classroom instruction in a culture anchored on Christian values and servant leadership model.

During the meeting, Austin Christian University leaders highlighted the university’s commitment to shaping students through values that define its identity. The university’s life and learning environment is Christ-centred, anchoring every program in the teachings and mission of Jesus. Its academic philosophy emphasizes excellence, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to compete and excel in today’s global workforce. The institution also cultivates a spirit of service, modelled after Christ’s example of mission-driven engagement, while fostering a strong community united by shared purpose and calling.

Dr. Matlhaope in turn presented Africa International University (AIU) as a robust, thoroughly Christian University with integrated programmes tailor made to address Africa’s challenges. A university that began with theology and expanded to include technology, and other social sciences like Business, Education leadership and governance, AIU’s offerings are tailored to address Africa’s contemporary challenges. This iconic multidisciplinary university stands as a model of holistic, Christian academic excellence on the continent.

AIU’s strategic direction is shaped by its vision of raising Christ-centred leaders in Africa equipped to transform both the Church and society. Its mission underscores the formation of such leaders through innovative programs, rigorous research, and community engagement. The ethos of the university is expressed through values that blend excellence with relevance, ensuring a solutions-oriented approach to learning; faith with integrity, promoting discipleship and missional depth; leadership with servanthood and stewardship, cultivating humility fused with courage and obedience to God; and innovation with community, nurturing collaborative, team-oriented leaders committed to the common good.

In his presentation, the Secretary General proposed multiple avenues for partnership, including faculty and student exchanges, joint research and publications, collaborative conferences, and other mutually beneficial academic initiatives. Both institutions expressed enthusiasm for these possibilities.

The meeting was described as historic, laying the foundation for meaningful and fruitful collaborations that could strengthen Christian higher education across continents and advance shared goals of leadership development, scholarship, and global impact.