Chinese Delegation Visits OSUIT, Builds Partnerships
EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS: Seated from the left are: Dr. Linda Avant, Dr. Bill Path, Xianwu Li, Yichan Zhang. Standing, left to right: Li Fu, Stephon Gregory, Dolph Hayden, Mingliang Yang, Jana Martin, Jian Xu, Roy Achemire, Anita Gordy-Watkins, Steve Olmstead, Yanming Liu, Danny Claborn, Jennifer Block.
Courtesy OSUIT
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology was chosen to host a delegation from China as part of the Vocational Education Leadership Training () program supported by the Chinese Ministry of Education in cooperation with the American Association of Community Colleges ().
The program gives Chinese leaders in post-secondary technical education the opportunity to observe and develop partnerships with strong U.S. technical institutions such as Institute of Technology.
The visiting leaders represented six Chinese vocational and technical colleges: Yanming Liu, president of Guangxi College of Water Resources and Electric Power; Jian Xu, vice chair of College Council of Chongqing Industry Polytechnic College; Mingliang Yang, vice president of Beijing Vocational College of Labor and Social Security; Li Fu, vice president of Zhengzhou Railway Vocational and Technical College; Xianwu Li, director of academic affairs at Guangzhou Institute of Railway Technology; and Yichan Zhang, dean of international School from Wuhan Polytechnic.
Five out of the six visiting colleges signed Memorandums of Understanding with OSUIT. The signing institutions have become partners with OSUIT for future projects of mutual benefit. OSUIT President Dr. Bill Path says, “We are pleased with the outcome of the program and look forward to partnering with these Chinese technical colleges in the future.”
Before leaving Oklahoma in May, the delegation had the opportunity to visit the Oklahoma state capitol. They met Oklahoma Secretary of State Glenn Coffee, toured the House of Representatives and Senate chambers, and were interested to learn that legislative sessions are open to the public. The delegates also observed a meeting of the Governor’s International Team, met with representatives from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and visited the office of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.
Anita Gordy-Watkins, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Institute of Technology, played a key role in bringing the delegation to Oklahoma. Referring to the Chinese colleges represented by this group, Vice President Gordy-Watkins relates, “Our institutions have similar program areas and shared educational goals. We all recognize higher technical education as a crucial element in economic development for our state or province. We are committed to providing educational programs that result in job placement for our graduates and a reliable workforce for employers.”
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology offers high-quality technical training in more than 20 technical professions, planned and guided with the support of leading companies, industries, and high technology firms. As a result, students learn the latest technical advances that meet the demanding needs of employers. For more information call 918.293.4680 or 1.800.722.4471. Information also is available online at www.osuit.edu.
Updated 06-25-2012
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