Five years ago, Cintana Education began as a bold vision—a partnership forged by leaders who believed that the power of education could reshape the future of nations and individuals alike. At its core, Cintana is about more than operational partnerships or academic metrics; it’s about opening doors to opportunity on a scale the world has never seen. As Doug Becker, the company’s founder, put it, “We set out to create something transformational—a network that would empower universities to not only expand their reach but to redefine the possibilities of education in their regions.”  

At the heart of this aspiration is Arizona State University, an institution known globally for its commitment to innovation and inclusion. Michael Crow, ASU’s president, envisioned the partnership as a way to expand that mission. 

“ASU exists to democratize education, to bring it to the people who need it most,” Crow has often said. “With Cintana, we’re scaling that ambition globally, helping other universities achieve excellence while serving their unique local communities.”  The last five years have been defined by a relentless determination to turn this vision into reality. Under the leadership of Rick Shangraw, Cintana’s president, the organization has grown into a thriving alliance of universities spanning multiple continents. Reflecting on this journey, Shangraw has remarked, “We’re not just helping institutions grow; we’re amplifying their ability to create change—educating leaders, innovators, and dreamers who will transform their communities and, ultimately, the world.”  

As we reflect on Cintana’s first half-decade, the themes of innovation and aspiration remain central to its identity. The road ahead is one of continued partnership and purpose, with a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education to bridge gaps, break barriers, and change lives. In the words of Becker, “Education is the spark that ignites curiosity and creativity, opening doors to possibilities that, for many, were once thought out of reach. It empowers individuals to rewrite their stories and shape new, brighter futures not just for themselves but also their communities.” 

Pioneering Growth in a Rapidly Changing World

From the very start, Cintana set out to transform higher education by forming a global alliance with Arizona State University (ASU). The goal was to create a platform where universities could access world-class educational resources, curricula, and faculty, while remaining deeply rooted in their local contexts. Over the last five years, we’ve successfully expanded the alliance to 30 partners, creating a presence in 26 countries across five continents. This growth has been fueled by our unique model that supports private, government-backed, and employer-sponsored universities alike.

As we built this network, we’ve also mapped more than 300 dual-degree programs, offering students unparalleled opportunities to pursue multiple degrees, international mobility, and collaborative research projects. This expansion has cemented Cintana’s position as a global leader in higher education, leveraging the resources of ASU to support institutions in diverse cultural and geopolitical environments.

Overcoming the COVID-19 Challenge and Emerging Stronger

Just as we were gaining momentum, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic—a crisis that threatened to disrupt the education sector like never before. Universities across the globe scrambled to adapt to new realities, and for a fledgling organization like Cintana, this was a make-or-break moment.

However, our alliance stood strong. We swiftly transitioned to support
our partners in moving education online, utilizing ASU’s world-class digital infrastructure and expertise
in online education. This experience not only helped our partners navigate through the pandemic but also reinforced the strength of our educational model. Moreover, we were able to launch CinLearn, a platform that has become a leader in transnational online education, enrolling over 3,600 students in
just a few short years.

Surviving COVID-19 wasn’t just about keeping the lights on—it was about innovating under pressure, adapting to new modes of learning, and ultimately coming out stronger. The pandemic may have disrupted traditional education, but it also showcased Cintana’s resilience
and ability to deliver flexible, high-quality learning experiences under any circumstances.

American University Kyiv: A Study in Dedication and Resilience

Perhaps one of the most poignant accomplishments in our journey has been the establishment of a university in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. While many global organizations chose to pull out of regions impacted by conflict, we leaned in, recognizing the vital role that education plays in maintaining hope and stability in times of war.

Launching and sustaining a university in the middle of an active conflict zone has been one of the greatest challenges we’ve faced—but it’s also been one of the most rewarding. Our efforts have enabled students in Ukraine to continue their education, providing them with a lifeline and a sense of normalcy despite the chaos surrounding them. This accomplishment highlights the depth of our commitment to expanding access to education, even in the most difficult circumstances.

By providing continuity in education for Ukrainian students, we’ve demonstrated that Cintana’s mission is about more than just scaling a business—it’s about making a real impact in the lives of individuals and communities worldwide, even in the face of global instability.

Surviving Geopolitical and Economic Shifts

In addition to COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the last five years have been marked by significant geopolitical and economic shifts, from Brexit to inflationary pressures and shifting trade dynamics. Each of these global changes could have disrupted our mission, but instead, we’ve adapted and thrived. 

Our presence in 27 countries means that we’ve had to navigate different political environments, regulatory landscapes, and economic realities, sometimes in quick succession. But our model, supported by local knowledge and global resources, has allowed us to weather these shifts. Whether partnering with government-backed institutions or working with private universities, we’ve remained committed to our mission of expanding access to world-class education.

Through these global shifts, we’ve maintained our focus on delivering high-quality programs and services to our partner universities, ensuring they are equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow, whatever they may be.

Expanding Global Access to Higher Education

At the heart of Cintana’s mission is the drive to expand access to higher education worldwide, and we’ve made significant strides in doing so over the last five years. Our alliance with ASU has enabled institutions in diverse regions—from Latin America to Southeast Asia—to offer dual degree programs and access to research collaborations that would have previously been out of reach.

In addition to physical expansion, our CinLearn platform has been a game changer in terms of accessibility. By enrolling over 3,600 students in online programs, we’ve been able to reach learners who may not have had access to traditional university settings, furthering our goal of democratizing education on a global scale. 

This broadening of access is not just about numbers—it’s about delivering transformative educational experiences to students who will go on to shape the future of their regions. Whether it’s empowering
the next generation of leaders in Africa, advancing research in Latin America, or supporting recovery efforts in Ukraine, our work is making a difference.

Building a World-Class Team to Drive Success

None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our people. Over the last five years, we’ve grown from a small, visionary team into a robust organization with over 80 Cintana team members and 100+ members of the CinLearn team. Together, this group has worked tirelessly to turn our vision into reality, fostering partnerships, managing programs, and delivering results.

The resilience of the team has been a cornerstone of our success, enabling us to manage rapid growth while maintaining our commitment to quality. Each new challenge we’ve faced has only served to strengthen our resolve and sharpen our focus, and we’re poised to continue this trajectory in the years to come.

Navigating the Future: What’s Next for Cintana and the Alliance

As we look to the future, we’re excited about the possibilities. We’ve proven our ability to weather crises, grow amid geopolitical and economic shifts, and continue expanding our global network. Our next chapter will be about scaling this success—bringing more universities into our alliance and continuing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the global education landscape.

But beyond growth, our mission will always remain centered on one thing: expanding access to world-class education for students around the world. Whether through partnerships, innovative learning models, or resilient approaches to global challenges, we are committed to delivering on that promise for years to come.