In August, a delegation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville embarked on a dynamic week-long visit to Japan, cultivating relationships with top academic institutions, multinational corporations, and UT alumni. The delegation included Dr. Gretchen Neisler, Vice Provost for International Affairs, Dr. Tyvi Small, Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement, and Dr. Rachel Rui, Director for Global Research, Innovation, and Partnerships (GRIP)
The team’s itinerary featured key visits, starting with the Japan Foundation and the Ministry of Education, where discussions centered on expanding global career development and research opportunities for UT students and faculty. Corporate stops included NTT Data Inc. and Bridgestone, two industry giants headquartered in Tokyo, where the delegation sought potential collaborations.
One of the trip’s highlights was the signing of an agreement with Kobe University, solidifying plans to establish a UT office in Kobe. This partnership is set to deepen the university’s ties with the region, enhance student and faculty exchanges, and foster joint research. During their time in Kobe, the delegation also toured the Kewpie Mayonnaise manufacturing facility, gaining insight into Japan’s food industry innovation, and visited two cutting-edge biomedical startups.
In addition to institutional visits, the delegation hosted a UT alumni reunion in Tokyo, celebrating the strong Volunteer network in Japan. They also made a special stop at a Tennessee-themed bar, opened by a UT alumnus, which served as a vibrant testament to the far-reaching influence of the UT community.
The trip concluded with a visit to Akita International University, where further conversations about student virtual exchange to enhance global learning were pursued. Overall, this visit strengthened UT’s commitment to building international bridges and securing valuable partnerships that will benefit students, faculty, and the broader university community.
Expanding Global Opportunities: UT Leaders Visit Vietnam
Following their productive week in Japan, Dr. Gretchen Neisler, Vice Provost for International Affairs, and Dr. Rachel Rui, Director for Global Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, traveled to Vietnam for a four-day exploration of higher education opportunities. The visit aimed to deepen connections and expand global learning pathways for University of Tennessee students.
During their time in Vietnam, Dr. Neisler and Dr. Rui visited seven universities and one foundation, engaging in discussions with academic leaders on collaborative research, student exchange programs, and joint initiatives that align with UT’s focus on global student success. Their meetings highlighted the potential for enriching UT’s international engagement and creating opportunities for cross-cultural academic experiences.
The duo also connected with key officials from EdUSA and the US Commercial Services, who are working to enhance educational ties between the United States and Vietnam. These meetings further emphasized the importance of developing partnerships that can provide UT students with unique global career development opportunities.
Dr. Neisler and Dr. Rui’s visit to Vietnam reinforced UT’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and ensuring that students are equipped with the international experience and knowledge necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Those interested in a debriefing on the trip to Japan or Vietnam can express interest in the form below.