(KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan) — The presidents of Oregon’s public technical and regional universities (TRUs) – Southern Oregon University, Western Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University and Oregon Institute of Technology – signed a memorandum of understanding with Wenzao University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on August 15.
The MOU aims to promote teacher-student exchanges, student mobility programs, joint research initiatives and Chinese language programs, all with the aim of nurturing international and interdisciplinary talent.
The delegation was led by Oregon State Representative Paul Evans (District 20) and included key leaders from Oregon’s universities, including Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey, Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters, Eastern Oregon University President Kelly Ryan, and Oregon Institute of Technology President Nagi Naganathan, as well as Sheila Clough, Chair of the SOU Board of Trustees.
The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, Oregon State Representative Evans, and former state Representative Brian Clem. Also present were Neil H. Gibson, Director of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan; Wen Hongguo, Head of the Culture Newsgroup of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan; and other stakeholders from culture and education.
The partnership marks a new chapter in global academic collaboration as Wenzao University continues to establish itself as a center of international education.
“Wenzao’s alliance with a well-known university in the United States has great symbolic significance,” said Zhuang Huiling, President of Wenzao University.
Wenzao University was founded in 1966 by a group of nuns from the Order of the Holy Ursulines in Rome, and Huiling said the university has always been committed to the spirit of “internationalization.” Wenzao University has over 320 partner universities worldwide where its students have the opportunity to study abroad. At the same time, Wenzao hosts students from 19 countries to integrate multiple cultures on campus.
This is an important milestone between Wenzao University and Oregon’s public, technical and regional universities. It not only strengthens each institution’s connection with the world, but also opens a new era for academic exchanges and development.
The presidents of TRU’s Oregon facilities value the importance of international educational exchange.
“International educational exchanges are essential to promoting global understanding and cooperation,” the presidents said in a joint statement. “They provide invaluable opportunities for students and faculty to learn from diverse perspectives, enriching both their academic and personal development. We are deeply grateful for the warm hospitality we received during our visit and look forward to nurturing and expanding this partnership.”
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