NCKU Delegation Strengthens Academic Collaboration in the U.S. through Visits to Auburn University and Xavier University of Louisiana

Expanding Collaboration with Auburn University
Auburn University has been a key partner of NCKU since 2021, establishing the AU-NCKU Taiwan Center of Chinese Language and Culture (Taiwan Center) in 2022—the only such center in the southern United States. The current director is Prof. Shu-Wen Tsen, faculty at the School of Industrial and Graphic Design and 1995 NCKU alumnus. During the visit from March 25 to 26, the delegation met with Auburn's Provost, Dr. Vini Nathan, Associate Dean Dr. Dean Hendrix (Samuel Ginn College of Engineering), Assistant Provost Dr. Andy Gillespie, and faculty members from the Anthropology, Education, and Pathobiology departments to discuss expanding collaboration beyond language studies.

![圖三:成大代表團獲納丹校長接見。 [由左至右:曾姝文主任、王院長、教務長 Nathan、陳副校長、Gillespie 副教務長、高院長、吳主任、陳老師、丁老師。 ]](https://web.ncku.edu.tw/var/file/0/1000/img/Photo3.NCKUdelegationreceivedbyProvostNathan..jpg)


Continuing the U.S. visit, the delegation traveled to New Orleans, meeting with leadership at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) on March 27-29. Discussions with President Verret, Provost Giguette, Dean Sunda-Meya of Arts & Sciences College, Dean Kennedy of Pharmacy College, Director Roberts of the Exponential Honors Program, and Chair Boissiere of the Biology Department focused on expanding academic collaboration beyond language education.

As part of the Huayu BEST program, at least six XULA students will study Chinese at NCKU, with two extending their studies into the fall semester. The two universities also explored new academic partnerships, including an agreement to share at least one asynchronous online course in general biology, a strong field at XULA.
XULA also expressed interest in the joint language and semiconductor program introduced at Auburn. President Verret welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to open career pathways for XULA students at TSMC and other Taiwanese tech companies.

Engagement with New Orleans City Officials
On March 29, the delegation, accompanied by Dr. Jiang Yu, Director of XULA’s Center for International Studies, was invited to New Orleans City Hall by Mr. Arthur C. Walton, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Ms. Rosine Pema Sanga, Director of International Relations. The meeting underscored the sister-city relationship between Tainan and New Orleans and explored ways the city could support educational exchanges between NCKU and universities in New Orleans.
City officials welcomed the news that six Tulane University students will also study at NCKU’s Chinese Language Center this summer, further leveraging the educational network shared between Tulane and XULA. Additionally, Chinese language instructors from both universities are collaborating to organize cultural events at the Children’s Library in New Orleans, enhancing community engagement. Director Walton pledged to establish a platform connecting universities across New Orleans, promoting Chinese language courses at XULA, and encouraging more students to study under NCKU’s Huayu BEST program.

Looking Ahead
This visit significantly strengthened academic and cultural ties between NCKU, Auburn University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Through student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, and municipal engagement, NCKU continues to foster deeper collaborations that benefit Taiwan and the United States.
The NCKU delegation included:
Chen, Yuh-Neu, Executive Vice President
Kao, Shin-Mei, Dean of Liberal Arts
Wang, Ju-Ming, Dean of Bioscience and Biotechnology College
Wu, Mei-Ying, Director of the Chinese Language Center
Chen, Yi-Jyun, Project Manager for the Huayu BEST program