Geneseo’s reputation for excellence in the liberal arts is known far beyond the valley, but on Monday extended more than 6,800 miles to Gwangju, South Korea.
As part of their tour visiting U.S. colleges, representatives from Chonnam National University met with college administrators in Academic Affairs to learn more about Geneseo and possible collaboration. The Chonnam delegation also conducted campus visits in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Established in 1952 through a union of several colleges, Chonnam National University (CNU) is in Jeonnam Province of South Korea and has grown to become one of the top universities in its country. “In hopes of further advancing our school’s system and continuing its success, CNU wishes to visit Geneseo university to explore and learn Geneseo’s operations, statistics, and other various topics,” wrote Han Lee, who coordinated the visit on behalf of Chonnam. CNU representatives also were interested in learning about budget management and allocations, government funding, infrastructure and construction, student and graduate programs, and staff management.
The 17-member CNU delegation was represented by administrators in student and educational services, the administration division, the office of general affairs, and several academic departments including language, agriculture sciences, the natural science and marine colleges, and the arithmetic research office.
Meeting with them were Paul Schact, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs; Ken Kallio, associate provost for personnel and diversity; Enrico Johnson, assistant provost for budget and facilities; Becky Lewis, assistant provost for international programs; and Mansokku Lee, assistant professor of economics in the School of Business represented Geneseo.
According to Lewis, one of the more surprising findings is that CNU, like many American universities, is challenged by a changing demographic environment evidenced by fewer college-bound students. “They were quite interested in best practices regarding enrollment strategies,” she noted.
Geneseo currently enrolls approximately 30 degree-seeking students from South Korea, as well as two exchange students. The college offers a 2+2 dual diploma partnership with the SolBridge International School of Business as well as a partnership with Yangchung High School.