A delegation representing YSU went to China earlier this fall and returned hopeful that the university can establish close ties with the region.
“There are tremendous opportunities in China for YSU to build relationships and establish partnerships that we believe, over the long haul, could be extremely beneficial for our students, faculty and the greater Youngstown community,” said Martin Abraham, YSU provost and a member of the delegation.
In what Abraham defined as “a whirlwind two weeks,” the six-person delegation visited five cities and nine universities, made three recruitment presentations, presented a lecture and showed a video about YSU’s additive manufacturing program, hosted a dinner for YSU alumni in Shanghai, and participated at an education expo.
Abraham said about 75 students completed inquiry cards to get more information about attending YSU.
The provost signed memoranda of understanding with five universities that set the stage for future discussions about more specific collaborations.
Other members of the YSU delegation were Mike Crist, interim dean of the College of Creative Arts and Communication; Hazel Marie, associate professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; Patrick Bateman, associate professor of Management; Qi Jiang, professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology; and Ann Gardner, assistant director of the YSU Center for International Studies and Programs.
The China initiative is part of a larger effort by YSU to expand its international footprint. The university is currently searching for an associate provost for international and global initiatives.
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