MU to help create university in South Korea
The university would offer American degrees.
Published Nov. 17, 2009
Several American universities, including MU, were invited to collaborate with the South Korean government to contribute to Songdo Global University, a university under construction in South Korea, to offer American degrees.
Deputy Chancellor Michael Middleton said MU is in the process of negotiating an agreement to spend a year planning what the university can offer Songdo Global University. He said they hope to have the agreement finalized by the end of the year, but the process could take several months.
"Our biggest problem is figuring out how to deliver the programs," Middleton said. "They haven't specified exactly what they want other than that they want American degrees offered there in South Korea."
The new university would not be a Korean university, but an American university located in South Korea. Middleton said he was told students in Asia have a desire to receive American degrees.
"They want this new global city to be a hub for eastern and southeastern Asia," Middleton said. "There is a great demand in that area for American degrees. Unfortunately, they can't all travel to America for degrees. They say, 'Since they can't afford to travel internationally, perhaps we can convince American universities to come and offer degrees.' "
Middleton said, among others, North Carolina State University and the University of Southern California have been invited to be part of this collaboration.
At a recent Faculty Council meeting, Chairwoman Leona Rubin said the presence of an American university would draw students to the city.
"It's one of those things that if you build it, they will come," Rubin said.
International Programs Vice Provost Handy Williamson said if MU continues to move forward on the project, the university's contributions would be one of many parts.
"We're not running the show," Williamson said. "We're part of a consortium."
Middleton said MU professors, faculty from other participating American universities and Korean professors will most likely teach the courses.
Williamson said the colleges of Education, Veterinary Medicine, Arts and Science and Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources would possibly offer courses and more colleges would participate in the future.
Williamson said the invitation to assist in the operation of Sungdo University is an honor that probably relates to the long connection between American and Korean education.
"Our invitation could be attributed to Harry S. Truman," Williamson said. "At the end of World War II an agreement was signed enabling many Korean students to come to the U.S. and attend universities."
After the agreement was signed, a large number of Korean students streamed to MU.
Rubin said South Korea has presented an opportunity that is not often encountered.
"It's really a unique type of program we're putting together," Rubin said.
Although the partnership is not yet set in stone, Middleton said the likelihood of South Korea and MU joining forces again is very high.
One factor that will be considered is compensation and the effects on the community.
"If we determine that MU and the state wouldn't benefit from this, we won't go forward," Williamson said.
South Korea would help finance the planning process and the university, Middleton said.
"My understanding is it will certainly give us around $1 million to finance the planning year," Middleton said. "They will build the infrastructure. There will likely be some costs that won't be covered by tuition and fees in the initial couple of years. They've offered to work with us in providing some of that start up money."