Fort Hays State University Strengthens Ties with Chinese Universities
From May 23 to June 5, a delegation from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) traveled to China to visit several of our university partner schools. The trip was led by FHSU President Dr. Tisa Mason and Provost Dr. Jill Arensdorf and included several other members of the FHSU administration.
The first stop on the trip was Sias University (SIAS) in Xinzheng, a partner of FHSU for 23 years. The delegation attended the Residential Life Forum Conference, where Dr. Mason delivered a keynote speech on the FHSU Digital Master Plan, and Dr. Arensdorf spoke about the value of Living-Learning Communities. The delegation also visited the Soybean Innovation Center in Zhengzhou, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce. All delegates participated in the Homecoming parade, performances, and banquet, and attended the 2022 Commencement make-up ceremony. In addition, they witnessed the 2023 Kansas International School ceremony and the graduation of all Sias graduates.
The delegation toured classrooms, faculty accommodations, and KIS administrative offices and participated in a variety of banquets and meetings. The hospitality provided by Sias was top-notch.
The delegation then traveled to Shanghai to visit EPIE, a partner of FHSU for five years. They were warmly welcomed by the EPIE team and toured the location for on-campus courses in summer 2024 at East China Normal University.
Next, the delegation visited Wuxi University (WUXI), a new partner of FHSU signed in 2022. The delegation met with the Wuxi President and International Team, toured the beautiful facility, and presented to the 73 Wuxi students planning to be on-campus at FHSU in Spring 2025.
The final stop on the trip was Shenyang Normal University (SNU), a partner of FHSU for 20 years. The delegation celebrated the 20th anniversary of the FHSU-SNU partnership and exchanged special gifts. They toured faculty accommodations and met with the President, Vice President, Dean, and Associate Dean of the College of International Business where the FHSU program is offered.
Overall, the Presidential Delegation Trip was a remarkable success. The delegation had meaningful conversations with faculty and students at each partner school, toured facilities, and participated in several ceremonies and banquets. The trip was well-organized, thanks to Haley Williams, Global Affairs Operations Director, and Jing Wang, Sias-FHSU Presidential Scholar and Delegation Trip Coordinator. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with these institutions and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the future.
View video of the trip here: FHSU President’s 2023 China Delegation Trip
Hays Post's Article: East meets West: FHSU celebrates, expands global partnerships during commencement trip to China