Thunderbird at ASU unifies undergraduate, graduate programs at Global Headquarters
Thunderbird School of Global Management undergraduate and graduate students celebrate together at the F. Francis and Dionne Najafi Thunderbird Global Headquarters located on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Photo courtesy of Thunderbird at ASU
Starting in fall 2025, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University will unify its undergraduate and graduate programs under one roof at the F. Francis and Dionne Najafi Thunderbird Global Headquarters located on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus.
“Incorporating our undergraduate students with the rest of our student body at our global headquarters is an exciting step forward. It truly reinforces Thunderbird's global education model in our dynamic learning community,” said Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird. “Thunderbird remains dedicated to empowering all of our students and global leaders with the opportunity to benefit from our shared, diverse learning environment.”
Since its founding in 1946 — then known as the American Institute for Foreign Trade — Thunderbird has offered bachelor’s degrees, starting with the Bachelor of Foreign Trade. This program, designed for global professionals seeking access to leadership and management training, made Thunderbird one of the first tertiary institutions to offer international business degrees. In the mid-1970s, the school discontinued its undergraduate degree, but after its acquisition by ASU in 2014, new undergraduate degrees were reintroduced in 2017.
“Our undergraduate programs have always been part of our DNA; now, by bringing together our undergraduate and graduate students under the same roof, we’re continuing to strengthen the Thunderbird mystique,” Griffy-Brown said.
Thunderbird’s Bachelor of Global Management (BGM) and the Bachelor of Science in International Trade (BSIT) programs will now be integrated on-site with Thunderbird's existing graduate programs, creating an enriched academic environment.
“With all students studying in classrooms near one another and sharing common spaces together, we are hopeful that they will seize additional opportunities for collaboration and mentorship from peers and alumni, as well as our esteemed faculty,” Griffy-Brown said.
The integration of undergraduate and graduate programs represents Thunderbird’s continued commitment to offering an innovative and transformative educational experience for all of its students.
“I look forward to watching our students flourish as they come together to collaborate, innovate and build long-lasting relationships,” said Travis Leybeck, senior director of student engagement and professional services. “We are excited to see how our Thunderbird community will continue to thrive academically and professionally.”
The new, state-of-the-art Thunderbird Global Headquarters first opened its doors in fall 2021, with an official grand opening that following spring. Spanning 110,000 square feet — spread over five floors — the building has several unique features, including advanced technology, an immersive virtual reality language lab and regional heritage lounges that celebrate cultures from all across the world.
On the second floor, students can access Thunderbird’s career management center, the student success team and academic advising — dedicated resources designed to empower and support Thunderbird students throughout their journey.
“By integrating our programs, Thunderbird’s student-centric model is set to soar to new heights,” Griffy-Brown said. “We’re amplifying access to professional opportunities, personalized advising and career mentoring like never before. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and this unified experience will deliver a truly transformative education — one that not only meets but surpasses the expectations of the future global leaders we’re shaping.”
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