MU Seeks Collaborative Agreement with Chinese University

Nov. 7, 2005

Story Contact:  Jennifer Faddis, (573) 882-6217, FaddisJ@missouri.edu

COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri-Columbia Chancellor Brady Deaton endorsed a collaborative agreement between MU Beijing Normal University (BNU) last week that will encourage faculty exchanges and could lead to the establishment of a new center on the MU campus. Bingling Zhong, president of BNU, is expected to sign the agreement in the next few days.

"This is a very exciting time for Mizzou and for Beijing Normal University," Deaton said. "It is important that MU continue to expand its international relationships, particularly as it applies to Asia, one of the most dynamic markets in the world in terms of economics and innovation."

The pact is the culmination of two years of communication between MU and BNU. Both institutions will encourage an exchange of faculty for the purposes of joint teaching and research.  When appropriate, faculty from each institution will cooperate on submitting proposals for external funding.

As an extension of the agreement, faculty at MU’s Center for Multicultural Research, Training and Consultation in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology and BNU’s School of Psychology are exploring the possibility of jointly establishing a Chinese American Center. The center would promote closer collaboration between the two academic units as it relates to cross-cultural research, training and consultation in the field of psychology.

Deaton was joined by Zhijin Hou, a professor from BNU; Carolyn Herrington, dean of the College of Education; and Handy Williamson, vice provost for international programs and faculty development, to commemorate the collaborative agreement.

-30-