Recently, a delegation from Xi'An International Studies University (XISU) in China led by President Wang Junzhe met with members of the Kent State University faculty and staff to sign a partnership agreement between the two universities. Xi’An International Studies University provides an important strategic partnership for Kent State. XISU is a renowned university located in the historically significant city of Xi’An. Through the
partnership, XISU students will be welcomed to Kent State, and XISU will become the newest education-abroad destination for Kent State students. At XISU, Kent State students will receive instruction in Chinese language, literature and culture while living and traveling in one of the most culturally important cities of China.
The delegation from XISU arrived in Kent on the evening of March 6. Early the next day, Sarah Malcolm, director of international partnerships and marketing and communications in the Office of Global Education, met the group for a tour of University Library. Afterward, the delegation joined Kent State President Beverly Warren in the University Library's Urban Conference Room, where the signing ceremony took place. A traditional exchange of gifts between the two parties followed the signing.
In addition to President Wang Junzhe, the delegation from Xi'An International Studies University included Huang Libo, associate dean of the School of English Studies; Chenguang Pang, associate dean of the School of Chinese Language; Fan Hua, deputy director of international cooperation and exchange; and Na Hong, deputy secretary-general of the Alumni Association. Warren was joined by several faculty and staff members from Kent State University at Stark, including Dean Denise Seachrist, Associate Dean Aloysius Kasturiarachi and Associate Professor of Communication Studies Bei Cai, who is an alumna of XISU. She recently returned to her position at Kent State Stark after a fall semester sabbatical at XISU, where her work led to a deeper collaboration between the two universities. Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Todd Diacon and Associate Provost Marcello Fantoni also attended the ceremony along with a small audience of Kent State faculty and staff. Translation between the two parties was provided by Color Kang, an international admissions counselor in the Office of Global Education.
“A successful partnership is all about a good ‘match,’" explains Bei Cai, who was instrumental in bringing the two institutions together. "Both universities have strong degree programs in humanities and liberal arts, and both universities are mutually interested and committed to making the partnership a success. Our two universities have a lot to offer to each other."
Malcolm, who oversaw the foundation of the partnership, explains, “The partnership with Xi’An International Studies University is an excellent example of how the connections and collaborations among faculty can blossom into a comprehensive partnership. We are pleased to see this partnership include strong faculty connections and quality student education-abroad experiences.”