History of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University

1990–1995

The Khon Kaen University Nong Khai Campus was established in 1991 under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr. Noppadon Thongsophit, who served as rector. The idea was conceived by a consortium of private sector, government, and merchant representatives. The groundwork for the establishment was diligently pursued during the tenure of Professor Dr. Wanchai Wattanasap as rector from 1993 to 1994. The momentum for establishing the Nong Khai Campus was further propelled by Associate Professor Dr. Parinya Jindaprasert until its formal establishment in 1995.

1996–1997

In the fiscal year 1997, a budget was allocated by the Budget Office to establish the Nong Khai Information Campus. During this period, key infrastructure, including Administrative, Common, and Laboratory buildings, was erected. Efforts were made to enhance the public facilities within these buildings, marking a significant milestone in the project's progression. The Nong Khai Campus was strategically integrated into the Higher Education Development Plan, Phase 8 of University Administration, and the Khon Kaen University Development Plan, Phase 8 (1997–2001).

1998–1999

The decision to establish "Nong Khai College" as an affiliated educational institution of Khon Kaen University was formalized during the second meeting of the Khon Kaen University Council in 1998, held on February 25. The institution aimed to promptly cater to student needs, leading to the admission of its inaugural cohort in 1998. Initially offering two bachelor's degree programs, Economics and Finance, the college expanded its offerings in 1999 to include Tourism and Hotel Management, initially allowing students to commence their studies at Khon Kaen University before transitioning to Nong Khai.

2000–2004

Relocation efforts culminated in the establishment of teaching facilities at 112 Village No. 7, Chaloem Phrakiat Road, Nong Kom Ko Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nong Khai Province, covering an expansive area of 516 rai and 2 ngan. The institution responded to growing demand by introducing a Bachelor of Science program in Fisheries, Computer Science, and Food Technology. This period also saw the formal renaming of the institution as the "Khon Kaen University Nong Khai Campus."

2005–2006

The Bachelor of Business Administration (International Business) and the Bachelor of Laws programs were inaugurated, alongside the introduction of eight specialized courses focusing on teaching and learning organization at the undergraduate level.

2007–2008

Two new programs were added (the Bachelor of Science Program in Information and Communication Technology and the Bachelor of Business Administration Program in Accountancy), bringing the total number of bachelor's degree programs to 10.

2009

Expansion continued with the introduction of two bachelor's degree programs (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Natural Resources and Bachelor of Public Administration in Public Administration). Additionally, a Master of Science program in Industrial Biotechnology and Logistics Management was introduced, bringing the total number of programs to 12 bachelor's and 1 master's degree.

2010

The curriculum was further enriched with the addition of two bachelor's degree programs (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Industry and Bachelor of Arts in Tourism), alongside a master’s degree program in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship and Innovation), totaling 14 bachelor's and 2 master's degree programs.

2011

The Bachelor of Science program in Sports Science was introduced, bringing the total number of bachelor's degree programs to 15. Notably, from the 2011 academic year onwards, enrollment for two majors (Food Technology and Hotel and Tourism Management) ceased for new students.

2012–2020

At the 6/2012 University Council meeting on June 6, 2012, it was resolved to establish faculties according to the new structure of Nong Khai Campus, consisting of four faculties: the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Business Administration, the Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences, and Faculty of Liberal Arts. These faculties were organized as units of Khon Kaen University with a status equivalent to other faculties of the university.

2020–Present

On July 10, 2020, the Royal Gazette published Announcement No. 635/2020 regarding the establishment of Khon Kaen University departments (No. 5) B.E. 2563, dated April 1, 2020. This announcement merged the original four faculties and one unit of the Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus (the Nong Khai Campus Office, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences, and Faculty of Liberal Arts) into a new unit called the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University. As a result, the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies became the faculty with the largest service area of Khon Kaen University.