DSU, Xiamen University strengthen ties at board meeting
Written by Dr. Yi Zhang
Delaware State University (DSU) and Xiamen University (XMU) took another big step toward strengthening their academic partnership at the 2025 board meeting of the DSU Chinese Language and Culture Research Center (CLCRC). Held at China’s Xiamen University on February 26, 2025, the meeting brought together key representatives from both universities to review past progress and set goals for future collaboration.
Key Attendees:
From Delaware State University (DSU):
Dr. Kareem McLemore, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and International Affairs, Chair of the CLCRC
Mr. Anas Ben Addi, Senior Vice President of Finance/CFO
Dr. Fengshan Liu, Associate Vice President for International Affairs
Dr. Yi Zhang, Director of the CLCRC
Dr. Huanhai Fang, Director of the CLCRC
Mr. Weiyuan Yu, Chinese Program Coordinator
From Xiamen University (XMU):
Prof. Ying Fang, Vice President
Ms. Zhiwei Chen, Dean of the Chinese International Education College (Overseas Education College)
Prof. Xiqian Cai, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange
Mr. Tianxi Wu, Deputy Director of the XMU Center for Language Education and Cooperation
Meeting Highlights:
Prof. Ying Fang, Vice President of Xiamen University, commended the center’s efforts in advancing Chinese language education and fostering academic exchange. “The center serves as a vital bridge between our universities, strengthening connections between our communities and deepening cultural ties between our peoples,” he said. He emphasized the importance of expanding faculty and student exchanges, increasing research collaboration, and enhancing talent development programs.
Dr. Kareem McLemore, DSU’s Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and International Affairs, and Chair of the CLCRC, emphasized the center’s role in encouraging cross-cultural dialogue. ” From university-level collaborations to national-level cultural exchanges, what we’re doing here is valuable,” he noted. He also stressed that the meeting provided a great opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation.
Mr. Anas Ben Addi, DSU’s Senior Vice President of Finance/CFO, expressed gratitude to the center’s leadership for their dedication. He also reflected on his experience with Chinese immersion programs in public schools in Delaware State, saying that being involved with this work again reinforced the long-term significance of language education programs for students and educators alike.
A key part of the meeting was Dr. Yi Zhang’s presentation of the 2024 Work Report and 2025 Work Plan. As Director of the CLCRC, he outlined the center’s accomplishments over the past year, including academic conferences, cultural programs, and faculty-led research initiatives. Looking ahead, Dr. Zhang sketched out plans to expand research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and institutional partnerships.
The board also reviewed financial planning and resource allocation to ensure the center’s sustainable growth. Both universities reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the center and enhancing its long-term impact.
As the meeting wrapped up, both sides agreed that partnership between the two universities has a bright future. With continued collaboration, they aim to create even more opportunities for students, scholars, and educators to strengthen cultural and academic ties.