Union County Review

Kean University has announced plans to expand its international student exchange initiatives, following commendations from senior Chinese leaders for the university's cooperative programs at Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) in Wenzhou, China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a public letter to Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., praising the university’s exchange programs at WKU, which have involved 1,700 students from both the United States and China in recent years.

Repollet committed to further developing the program over the next five years in support of President Xi's goal of bringing 50,000 American youth to study at Chinese universities.

“We are honored and humbled that President Xi recognizes the outstanding academics, research and exchange programs at WKU,” said Repollet during 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."

The China Ministry of Education officially approved WKU's establishment ten years ago. Kean remains the only public university in the United States with a campus in China, now serving 4,500 students globally. Eight hundred students graduated from WKU on June 7.

“WKU provides students with a truly unique world-class education,” said Frank Wang, chairman of the WKU Board of Directors. “Our graduates attend some of the most prestigious graduate schools in the world and work at major companies. They are shaping our collective future.”

In his letter, President Xi also recognized Kean President Emeritus Dawood Farahi, Ph.D., who collaborated with Xi on developing WKU over a decade ago when Xi was leader of Zhejiang province.

“It’s wonderful to see our vision for WKU come to fruition,” Farahi said. “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 recalled his conversation with President Xi during a car ride in New Jersey in 2006.

“He elaborated on his vision, and we made adjustments that redefined what has now become WKU,” Farahi said. “So many people on both sides worked very hard on this project. It would not have happened without Zhao Hangzhou and Chen Yixin’s total dedication.”

Ada Morell, former chair of Kean Board of Trustees during WKU's dedication phase, noted her experiences witnessing how international learning benefits students.

“It’s been a great privilege to be part of this international initiative,” Morell said. “I’ve seen firsthand how students’ eyes are opened by learning around the world."

Kean Senior Vice President Felice Vazquez stated that additional programs and research opportunities will be added for U.S.-based students interested in studying at WKU.

“There is a lot of interest from American students who want to study in China,” Vazquez said. “We are working diligently to provide access through various programs including full study abroad options and shorter Travelearn trips.”

WKU Executive Vice Chancellor Cary Anderson highlighted that more than 240 faculty members serve students across 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs at WKU.

“Our diverse campus is the perfect extension of Kean University in New Jersey,” Anderson said. “We are well positioned to expand our international opportunities for students worldwide.”