The College of Local Administration (COLA) at Khon Kaen University has taken a bold step forward in student excellence with their innovative “PA Model” — a groundbreaking approach that was selected by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) to be showcased at the prestigious 2024 Academic Conference on Student Development. This high-profile event, themed “Empowering Students for Sustainable Development: Integrating SDGs into Thai Higher Education”, will be held from September 26-27, 2024, at Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre, Chaeng Watthana, Nonthaburi.
The driving force behind this innovation, Dr. Suriyanon Phonsim, Assistant to the Dean for Student Development and Alumni Relations, explained the transformative power of the PA Model: “We’re moving from a student-centric to a student-driven approach, where students themselves are at the forefront, leading and driving their own development activities. The PA Model harnesses their energy and initiative through two key frameworks — ‘COLA Paso’ and ‘COLA Palui,’ each uniquely designed to empower students in different ways.”
COLA Paso: Shaping Social Influencers
COLA Paso is an exciting platform that aims to mold students into “social influencers,” offering them the opportunity to tackle contemporary social issues and exchange ideas with the broader community. Under the theme “COLA Paso – Discussing Hot Topics, Reflecting on Society,” students lead thought-provoking discussions every Friday during the academic term, engaging their peers and the public on pressing societal challenges. This initiative not only hones their communication skills but also places them at the center of meaningful social dialogue.
COLA Palui: Nurturing Social Governors
COLA Palui, on the other hand, takes students out of the classroom and into real-world environments during their academic breaks. Here, students evolve into “social governors” by working hand-in-hand with local communities to address real problems. Whether collaborating with government bodies, local administration, or the private sector, students gain invaluable practical experience, applying what they’ve learned to make a tangible impact. By tackling real-world challenges, they build the skills and confidence needed to work effectively within communities after graduation.
“Our students aren’t just learning; they’re leading. They’re transforming into empowered change-makers who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. And the PA Model is the engine driving this transformation,” Dr. Suriyanon added.
As COLA continues to innovate and push the boundaries of student development, the PA Model stands as a shining example of how higher education can truly empower students to create sustainable, impactful change — both in their own lives and in society
