Chinese university delegation to visit ASU campus March 12

March 8, 2010 -- A delegation of four dignitaries from Beijing Normal University (BNU) in China will visit the Arkansas State University campus, Friday, March 12, to discuss proposed relationships and collaborations between the two institutions.

Representatives include Dr. Guangju Chen, president of Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, and vice president of BNU, Beijing; Dr. Ailan Fu, vice president of BNU, Zhuhai; David Wang, director of International Office, BNU, Zhuhai; and Dr. Dai Wei, director of University Development Office, BNU, Zhuhai.

The group, accompanied by Dr. Alan Chow, who has assisted ASU in the development of academic institutional partnerships in the People’s Republic of China, will be welcomed by ASU Chancellor Robert L. Potts at a special reception in the lobby of the Administration Building from 9:30-10 a.m.

“As part of its globalization initiative, ASU is developing more working relationships with our sister institutions in other countries,”  Chancellor Potts said.  “Well-qualified international students and faculty from other countries, such as China, create an enhanced learning environment at ASU.  At the same time, international educational opportunities for our students and faculty, such as those offered by Beijing Normal University, add richly to their university experience.”

A ceremony will follow with representatives from ASU and Beijing Normal signing a memorandum of understanding allowing the two institutions to engage in collaborative efforts. The documents are expected to be signed in both Chinese and English.

“ASU is thrilled to host this delegation from China,” said Dr. Dan Howard, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research and the Provost at ASU. “This union between the two universities will help in recruiting international students from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong as well as aid in the introduction of Arkansas State University to students and universities in China.”

Dr. Howard went on to say that a signed agreement by the leadership of the two institutions of higher learning will allow Arkansas State University to explore other venues with Beijing Normal University for research, English as a second language (ESL) courses, student exchange and additional avenues.

The Chinese delegation will be in Jonesboro until noon Saturday and will take a tour of ASU’s campus and the surrounding community. A meeting with ASU’s Office of International Programs (OIP), individually and collectively, is scheduled. Dr. Howard, who will have a reciprocal visit to the Chinese universities in a couple of weeks to make presentations about ASU, will speak to the delegation about the areas of academic transfer, faculty exchanges, cultural exchanges, faculty research and other collaborative agreements.

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