Missouri Western State University has signed an agreement with Xidian University of Xi’an, People’s Republic of China, to cooperate in academic research and exchange.
“The agreement that we are signing today outlines the intent of our two institutions to exchange faculty and students over the next five years,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “We strongly believe that international faculty and student exchanges increase global understanding and work to build stronger bonds between people.”
Tiantian Zou, a professor of English at Xidian University, has been visiting Missouri Western this year as a Fulbright scholar, teaching Chinese in the department of English, foreign languages and journalism. The agreement grew out of Missouri Western’s desire to continue Chinese language instruction and awareness of the Chinese culture after Zou leaves, said Dr. Jeanne Daffron, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
“Tiantian not only taught students to speak, read and write the language, she shared customs and culture of the Chinese people with the whole campus,” Dr. Daffron said. “As we discussed ways to continue both the language instruction and the exposure to Chinese culture, the concept of a formal exchange agreement between Missouri Western and Xidian University seemed like an excellent fit.”
The agreement calls on both universities to explore opportunities for cooperation in the exchange of faculty and scholars for the purposes of research, teaching and development; the exchange of students for the purposes of training, internship, degree-pursuing and other activities; the exchange of information, experience and knowledge of academic fields including research publications, teaching materials and library materials; and other exchange activities that both universities agree to. The agreement lasts for five years.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.