Troy University News

October 8, 2004

Contact:
Tom Davis or Andy Ellis: (334) 670-3196; tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Global partnership will help grow state’s economy, ADO director tells Troy University gathering

   Troy University will prove to be a valuable partner with the State of Alabama in attracting foreign industry to the state, the Director of the Alabama Development Office said Friday in Troy .
   ADO Director Neal Wade served as the keynote speaker at Troy University ’s annual program to recognize the 10 nations that send the greatest number of international students to the University. The day’s events also included a special on-campus meeting of the Troy Rotary Club, a strong supporter of Troy University ’s international programs.
   Wade said ADO ’s partnership with Troy University in Heidelberg Germany can be duplicated in other nations where the University operates campuses. On July 22, ADO and Troy University opened a joint operation at the University’s teaching site in Germany . The partnership allows Alabama to maintain a strong presence in Germany at a fraction of the cost to Alabama taxpayers.
    Troy University operates sites outside the State of Alabama in 17 U.S. states and 11 foreign nations. None of the sites outside of Alabama receive state funding. Wade said TROY ’s global network can aid Alabama ’s recruitment of international business.
   “ Troy University is in a unique position to help Alabama attract foreign investment to this state,” Wade said. “Partnerships like this one with Troy University will be key to maximizing our efforts.”
   Wade mentioned Troy campuses in Korea and Japan as possible sites for future partnerships.
   The ADO director also pointed out that the international automotive industry has created 80,000 jobs for Alabama .
   Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of Troy University , introduced Wade. He praised Wade for “seizing the moment” by forging the partnership with the University.
   Following Wade’s keynote remarks, international students raised the flags of the 10 nations who send the most students to Troy University . As each flag was raised, a student gave a brief explanation of the design and meaning of each flags. The countries represented are the People’s Republic of China , Republic of South Korea , India , Turkey , Japan , Kenya , Nepal , Canada , Nigeria and Saudi Arabia .
   Students from 60 nations are enrolled at Troy University .