Kean University Celebrates Decade of International Collaboration at Wenzhou-Kean University

Kean University is commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the China Ministry of Education’s official establishment of Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), underscoring a significant milestone in the growth of WKU and its foundational role in fostering cross-cultural academic exchanges.

This pivotal anniversary marks over a decade since WKU began serving students from across the world with an American-style, English-language education in the Zhejiang province of China, reflecting Kean University's commitment to expanding global educational opportunities for all.

Last week, a New Jersey delegation led by Kean visited China and met with key government, business and education leaders to reinforce the University’s dedication to the innovative higher education partnership it has nurtured with WKU. 

"Kean University, New Jersey's urban research university, is driven by the moral imperative to demonstrate the power of cooperation and collaboration to transcend boundaries and enrich lives," said President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. "Since the WKU campus opened, students from Kean USA and WKU have expanded their personal and professional horizons through our exchange programs. These opportunities not only bridge geographical distances but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of global interconnectivity. As we continue to strengthen these ties, we look forward to welcoming many more students in the coming years, further enriching their lives and the communities they touch."

Frank Wang, chairman of the WKU Board of Directors, said WKU has grown to serve almost 4,500 current students and 3,400 alumni from China, across Asia, and around the world, significantly contributing to the local community and beyond.

"Wenzhou-Kean University educates future leaders and also serves as a vital anchor institution in Wenzhou, much like Kean USA’s role in New Jersey,” Wang said. “WKU has embedded itself as an integral part of Wenzhou, contributing to progress and innovation in various sectors, including education, urban planning and globalization.”

The visit included a celebration of the recent accreditation of Kean’s College of Business and Public Management from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); the annual Student Research Days; the official establishment of the WKU College of Education; and the inauguration of the new College of Science, Mathematics and Technology building. 

Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, which is committed to attracting business to New Jersey, joined the delegation. 

"Meeting with higher education and business leaders in China provided us with valuable insights that could greatly benefit businesses in both of our countries," Mathews said. "These interactions and continued conversations are pivotal as we position New Jersey for future growth in key sectors."

The visit also included the STEAM conference sponsored by WKU and the Zhejiang Ministry of Education, where New Jersey K-12 educators exchanged ideas on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, as well as artificial intelligence education, with their Chinese counterparts. 

New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda Carter, chair of the higher education committee who also spoke at the conference, said it exemplifies the collaborative efforts to empower the next generation of global innovators.

"This STEAM conference is a cornerstone for future educational frameworks, promoting critical and creative thinking that drives innovation,"  Carter said. "By integrating STEAM into our curriculum, we are not only enhancing the educational experiences of our students but also equipping them with the skills necessary to tackle the complex challenges of the future.” 

Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., interim dean of the College of Education at WKU, said the conference had a dual purpose.

"By bringing together expertise from both countries, we are sharing knowledge and also inspiring students and educators to explore new dimensions in education,” Gray said. “This exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives fosters a rich learning environment where students can develop unique insights and solutions, benefiting the United States and China."

In celebration of this anniversary, Kean University announced an expansion of its WKU/Kean USA scholarship program. The new Presidential scholarship will cover tuition for selected applicants, encouraging even greater participation in the exchange programs. Additional benefits for Kean USA students joining the WKU program include free flights, comprehensive travel within China, potential paid positions on the WKU campus, and stipends valued at over $1,300 for students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

"We are committed to making these life-changing opportunities accessible to all students, removing financial barriers and enhancing the educational benefits of global experience," said Felice Vazquez, senior vice president and special counsel to President Repollet.

Kean University remains dedicated to enriching its global partnerships and providing transformative educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives.

"We are setting the stage for a future where our graduates are well-equipped to navigate and lead in a globally interconnected world," said Cary Anderson, executive vice chancellor at WKU. “We prepare students to be citizens of the world, ready to leverage their knowledge and skill sets to create a better world.”