DSU hosts visiting academic from China

DSU's Lynn Ryan stands with Xiayao Xie

A representative from Guizhou University of Technology in Southwest China, Vice-President Xiayao Xie, is visiting Dakota State University to learn more about the United States university system.

Dakota State was one of five universities chosen to be a host of the pilot project by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

“It is an honor to have Vice-President Xie on our campus,” Dr. Tunheim said. “Creating these relationships with Chinese Universities adds to the diversity of cultures present on the DSU campus.”

The Chinese universities want their administrators to study the various forms of governance of universities around the world. Enrollment at Guizhou University has grown over 13,000 in just 10 years. Several Chinese universities are seeing the same types of increased enrollment.

Lynn Ryan, DSU Director of International Programs, has introduced Xie to several faculty and staff and is helping him feel at home. Xie is here to study and research how to organize and manage a university. During his stay here, Xie will visit with several different offices on campus to learn what each is responsible for within the university. He has visited with the web site staff, DSU Vice President of Student Affairs, Terry Ryan, and Computing Services. Xie will stay until May 3.

“He has been so enthusiastic about everything,” Ryan said. “His interests are quite diverse. He was very interested in the Powwow held recently.”

In addition to Xie’s visit, DSU President, Dr. Jerald Tunheim and Lynn Ryan will make a reciprocal visit to Guizhou University in October.

“We have the opportunity to explore future faculty and student exchanges,” stated Ryan