TROY – Two Troy University deans leave next week on a trip to China where they will not only see the Great Wall but they also hope to build bridges between TROY and Chinese universities.

Dr. Maryjo Cochran, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and Dr. Don Jeffrey, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will participate in the annual Sino-American Leadership Initiative sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Approximately 100 educators representing 35 U.S. institutions of higher education will participate in the program.

“We’re going as ambassadors of the State of Alabama and Troy University,” Dr. Jeffrey said. “We’re hoping to build stronger relationships between TROY and the Chinese officials – we’re concentrating on relationships.”

Dr. Cochran said she and Dr. Jeffrey will also help AASCU promote the Sino-American 1-2-1 Dual Degree Program, began in the United States in 2001, with 40 students traveling to Troy University. The program requires students to study their first year in China, spend their sophomore and junior years at Troy University and then return to China to complete their studies. In recent years, other American universities have begun enrolling students in the 1-2-1 program.

“We will also get to visit some of the most famous sights in China, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square,” Dr. Cochran said. “We will also attend a college fair with students from China who are looking to come to the United States to study.”

Arlene Jackson, director of international education at AASCU, said the U.S. delegation will split into two groups to cover more ground in China, meeting with university representatives and members of the U.S. State Department at consulates across the country. Dr. Cochran will visit Weihai, a port and tourist city in eastern China, while Dr, Jeffrey will visit Chengdu, a metropolis of almost 10 million people in southwest China.

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NOTE TO BROADCASTERS: Weihai is pronounced Wee-high and Chengdu is pronounced Cheeng-doo

Two Troy University deans who will visit China next week received a sneak preview of the culture of the PRC last Thursday, at the dedication of “The Thinker” statue on the Troy Campus. The statue was a gift from the Chinese artist Huo Baozhu. From left to right are Dr. Don Jeffery, interim dean of the college of arts and sciences; Arlene Jackson, director of international education at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities; Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr.; artist Huo Baozhu and his niece, Jen Fang, a Troy University student; and Dr. Maryjo Cochran, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts.