Oregon’s regional universities build strategic partnership in Taiwan

(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 on Aug. 15 with Wenzao University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The MOU aims to foster teacher-student exchanges, student mobility programs, joint research initiatives and Chinese language programs, all with the goal of cultivating international and cross-disciplinary talent.

The delegation was led by Oregon State Rep. Paul Evans (District 20) and was made up of key leaders from Oregon’s universities, including Rick Bailey, president of Southern Oregon University; Jesse Peters, president of Western Oregon University; Kelly Ryan, president of Eastern Oregon University; and Nagi Naganathan, president of Oregon Institute of Technology; along with Sheila Clough, chair of the SOU Board of Trustees.

The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, Oregon State Rep. Evans and former state Rep. Brian Clem. Others present included director of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan, Neil H. Gibson; Wen Hongguo, leader of the cultural newsgroup of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan; and additional cultural and educational stakeholders.

The partnership marks a new chapter in global academic cooperation, as Wenzao University continues to establish itself as a hub of international education.

“Wenzao’s alliance with a well-known higher education institution in the United States has great symbolic significance,” Wenzao University President Zhuang Huiling said.

Wenzao University was founded in 1966 by a group of nuns from the Saint Ursuline religious order in Rome, and Huiling said the school has always adhered to the spirit of “internationalization.” Wenzao University has more than 320 sister schools around the world, where its students have the opportunity to study abroad. At the same time, Wenzao hosts students from 19 countries to integrate multiple cultures into the 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 up a new era for academic exchanges and development.

The presidents from Oregon’s TRU institutions value the importance of international educational exchanges.

“International educational exchanges are essential for fostering global understanding and collaboration,” the presidents said in a joint statement. “They provide students and faculty invaluable opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives, enriching both their academic and personal growth. We are deeply grateful for the warm hospitality extended during our visit and look forward to nurturing and growing this partnership.”

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