The University of Tulsa recently welcomed a delegation from Yangtze University in China, marking a significant step in deepening academic collaboration between the two institutions. The visit extended the existing partnership to include short-term student exchanges, further solidifying their shared commitment to expanding global learning opportunities for students.
The delegation from Yangtze University, led by President Yongsheng Liu, included Zhang Feifei, who graduated from UTulsa in 2015 with a doctoral degree in petroleum engineering. Zhang’s involvement highlighted the enduring connections between the two universities and underscored the importance of fostering international partnerships.
The newly signed exchange agreement aims to create more avenues for students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural academic experiences, enhancing the global perspectives of both institutions. This partnership will enable students from UTulsa and Yangtze University to participate in exchange programs that offer immersive educational experiences in diverse cultural settings.
The delegation also visited the College of Engineering & Computer Science, hosted by Dean Andreas A. Polycarpou and Associate Dean for Research Michael W. Keller. Discussions focused on energy transitions, research, and practical applications. The visit concluded with conversations about potential joint research initiatives and faculty-led programs, further broadening the scope of collaboration between the two universities.
Yangtze University, one of the largest institutions in Hubei province with over 50,000 students, is known for its academic excellence in engineering, specifically resources exploration and petroleum engineering programs. The university was formed in 2003 through the merger with Jianghan Petroleum Institute, the first petroleum higher learning institution in China.