Kean University has pledged to enhance its international student exchange efforts, with senior Chinese officials praising the institution for its exemplary cooperative programs at its expanding campus in Wenzhou, China. President Xi Jinping of China personally penned a letter to Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., expressing admiration for the University's exchange initiatives at Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), which have facilitated the participation of 1,700 students from both the United States and China in recent times.
“We are honored and humbled that President Xi recognizes the outstanding academics, research and exchange programs at WKU”, said Repollet, who was in Wenzhou to celebrate WKU’s eighth commencement ceremony. “International exchange provides students from both countries the opportunity to expand their personal and professional horizons. They are particularly valuable for first-generation students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds who experience a new culture for the first time. We are glad to be at the forefront of shaping the leaders of tomorrow in both countries".
A decade ago, the China Ministry of Education granted official approval for the establishment of WKU. Kean University continues to hold the distinction of being the sole public university from the United States with a presence in China. Over the years, WKU has expanded its reach, catering to a diverse student body of 4,500 individuals hailing from China, the United States, and various other countries. Notably, 800 students have successfully graduated from WKU.
President Xi's letter, which garnered significant international media coverage, acknowledged Kean President Emeritus Dawood Farahi, Ph.D. The collaboration between Farahi and Xi in establishing WKU over a decade ago was highlighted. At that time, Xi served as the leader of Zhejiang province, which shares a longstanding sister-state relationship with New Jersey. “It’s wonderful to see our vision for WKU come to fruition. Its growth as a research institution has truly exceeded my expectations. More importantly, students from both sides of the world continue to benefit from an American-style education in China”, Farahi said.
Ada Morell, a member of the Kean Board of Trustees, held the position of board chair during the dedication of the new campus in Wenzhou by Kean University. The campus now boasts laboratory spaces, residential halls, faculty accommodations, athletic amenities, and multiple newly constructed academic buildings. “It’s been a great privilege to be part of this international initiative. I’ve seen firsthand how students’ eyes are opened in so many ways by learning around the world. It is an invaluable experience for these students”, Morell said.
Kean Senior Vice President Felice Vazquez said Kean will add additional programs and research opportunities for students in the United States to study at the WKU campus. “There is a lot of interest from American students who want to study in China. We are working diligently to provide access through a variety of different programs, including full study abroad programs and shorter Travelearn trips,” Vazquez said.
According to Cary Anderson, Ed.D., the Executive Vice Chancellor of WKU, over 240 faculty members from various parts of the globe are dedicated to instructing students across 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs offered at WKU. “Our diverse campus is the perfect extension of Kean University in New Jersey. We are well positioned to expand our international opportunities for students from across the world to benefit from this unique campus environment”, Anderson said.
