Georgia Southwestern signs agreement with Henan Institute of Science and Technology

AMERICUS, GA (April 25, 2024) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Henan Institute of Science and Technology (HIST) in the Henan Province of China setting the foundation for future collaboration between the two institutions.

The agreement may include providing exchange opportunities for students at all levels, establishing double degree programs, engaging in joint research and educational projects, organizing conferences and seminars, and developing joint publications.

“This collaboration provides our students and faculty with opportunities to engage in multicultural learning and research experiences, enriching their academic journeys at GSW while cultivating a deeper understanding of global perspectives,” explained Jill Drake, Ed.D., GSW provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Through study abroad programs facilitated by this partnership, our students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and academic environments, gaining invaluable insights and perspectives that will enhance their readiness to thrive, both professionally and personally, in a global society.”

This is GSW’s second partnership established with an institution in Henan in recent years. In 2019, GSW signed an agreement with Zhoukou Normal University (ZKNU) that established student and faculty exchanges between the two universities. Three computer science faculty members taught at ZKNU in December 2023.

Pictured (L-R, sitting): Dr. Jill Drake, GSW Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Neal Weaver, GSW President; Dr. Gao Guohong, Dean of the School of Computer Science at HIST; Dr. Song Yawei, Delegation Leader and Chairman of School Affairs Committee at HIST; Dr. Liu Runqiang, Dean of the School of Environmental Science, Director of Modern Agriculture Research Institute, and Director of Research Department at HIST; (L-R,standing) Yukun Chen, Translator for the Chinese delegation; Dr. Chadwick Gugg, Professor and Department chair of GSW’s Department of Mathematics; Dr. Karen Cook, Senior Lecturer of Computing at GSW; Dr. Nellie Iordanova, Professor of Chemistry at GSW; and Dr. Yemisi Milledge, Director of Experiential Learning at GSW.