Aug. 28, 2013. Lees-McRae is proud to announce a partnership with Zhengzhou Normal University (ZZNU) in China. Though still in its infancy, this partnership holds many possibilities for the expansion of Lees-McRae’s global education programs.
In July, Lees-McRae welcomed its first two Chinese delegates from ZZNU, Dr. Xu Hongwei, director of international cooperation and exchange affairs, and Ms. Chen Hailun, a professor who will be the Deputy Director of the China Cultural Center at Lees-McRae and also teach Mandarin starting this fall. During this visit the delegates were able to get acquainted with Lees-McRae and Banner Elk and also discuss future possibilities for this relationship.
Lees-McRae’s partnership with ZZNU could include a 2+2 exchange program, early college programs for Chinese students, an American culture program and the creation of a Chinese Cultural Center on the campus of Lees-McRae.
Marv Williamsen, director of international programs at Lees-McRae, and John LaCapra, professor of business, spent time at ZZNU in the spring to establish this relationship. Additionally, Dr. John Thomas, former chancellor of Appalachian State University, and Dr. Jensen Jen, who lives in nearby Matney, were instrumental in this partnership.
Established in 1956, ZZNU is located on the famous Yellow River in the Henan Provence of China. This university is known for forming educational cooperatives and exchanges with universities abroad and introducing advanced teaching content, teaching methods and curriculum
For more information, please contact Kacy Crabtree, vice president of academic affairs, at crabtree@lmc.edu or 800-280-4562.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 850 students hailing from 40 states and more than 10 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning with an emphasis on leadership and service. For more information, please visit www.lmc.edu or call 828-898-5241.