UT’s international affairs and international admissions leaders pose with the Aberystwyth University delegation
In October the Center for Global Engagement celebrated a new collaborative relationship between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Aberystwyth University, by hosting a delegation from the Welsh university.
Aberystwyth’s delegation, led by its chief academic and administrative officer Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Treasure, visited the UT campus and participated in a letter of intent signing ceremony. The resonating impact of the visit promises a new era of collaborative academia and cross-continental partnerships between Aberystwyth and UT.
Aberystwyth, nestled on the west coast of Wales in the United Kingdom, is known for its academic excellence, picturesque surroundings and diverse range of courses across various disciplines. Established in 1872, it is one of the oldest universities in Wales.
It has a strong model for mentoring new students, a robust international student population and is among the highest ranked universities in the U.K. for its students’ undergraduate experience. Its strong emphasis on sciences, business, political science and history, research and innovative teaching methods ensures students receive a well-rounded educational experience and make it a great international partner for UT.
Aberystwyth recently celebrated the opening of a veterinary school, the first in Wales, that offers exciting opportunities for partnerships with UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture.
UT’s Provost Zomchick (right) and Aberystwyth Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Treasure (left) sign a letter of intent
The focal point of the Aberystwyth delegation visit to UT revolved around a letter of intent signing ceremony, an important event symbolizing the forging of a relationship between the two universities.
The letter of intent identified several key areas of international collaboration, including the exchange of faculty members, students, academic information and materials of interest as well as joint research activities.
The signing ceremony was hosted at the East Tennessee Historical Society, in large part due to Warren A. Dockter, President and CEO of the society. An alum of UT, Dockter was a pivotal contributor and facilitator of the meeting and relationship between the universities. During his time at UT, Dockter’s study abroad experience at Aberystwyth University sculpted his undergraduate journey, and stands as a living testament to the lasting transformative power of international academic connections.
In addition to the connection between Aberystwyth and Dockter, the collaborative venture stems from a series of reciprocal visits, with Marian Gray, Aberystwyth’s head of global opportunities, visiting UT in the spring, and Will Jennings, CGE’s faculty director of global learning and student impact, reciprocating with a visit to Wales in the summer.
In addition to the signing ceremony, the Aberystwyth delegation engaged in a breakfast discussion, fostering the seeds of cooperation. Among the prominent figures were Gretchen Neisler, UT’s vice provost of international affairs, and a group of directors and heads from both universities, including Tom Gill, director of the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture located within the UT Institute of Agriculture.
This collaboration isn’t just about two universities coming together; it’s a celebration of the Center for Global Engagement’s prowess in weaving international partnerships that elevate UT’s academic landscape, fostering a globalized community of students and scholars on Rocky Top.
About the Center for Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement works to lead, coordinate and support the university’s strategies for global education, research and engagement. Initiatives include developing and managing international partnerships, welcoming and assisting international students and scholars, providing education abroad opportunities to students and creating international and inter-cultural programming for campus and the broader community.
CONTACT:
Jason Moody (865-974-5752, jmoody9@utk.edu)