Memorable and positive visit to UofG by UESTC President Hu
Published: 20 December 2024
Strategic meetings between Glasgow College management teams guarantee continued growth
On a recent visit to the UK, President Hu Jun of UESTC, along with a delegation of colleagues in managerial roles at UESTC, took part in a series of strategic meetings at UofG designed to further cement and advance our partnership.
As well as meeting key staff involved in the current and future management of the partnership and its programmes, they also made time to enjoy a special afternoon tea with Glasgow-based students (and former students) of Glasgow College UESTC, and UESTC. Representing the Transnational Education (TNE) team at the James Watt Schoool of Engineering were Mrs Chengyang Wang, TNE Service Manager and Ms Sandra Hynes, TNE Operational Coordinator. Top researcher Professor Qammer Abassi, who has lectured for Glasgow College since 2017, also attended the event. Taking place in the grandeur of Bute Hall, the historic location for all University of Glasgow graduation ceremonies and degree conferals, it was bound to impress our special guests.
Professor Hu Jun and his colleagues were thrilled to see more than 20 students keen to meet him - attendance was more than was expected, so much so that the organisers nearly ran out of seats! The delegation enjoyed the open discussion with students and hearing their positive stories about studying at University of Glasgow, its campus, and Scotland more generally. Those who have chosen to join UofG as postgraduate students spoke about their work and the research culture at Glasgow with earnest enthusiasm. It was clear that all feel a strong sense of belonging, and an attachment, to both UESTC and UofG.
The meeting was part of a wider visit to the UK by the delegation. The visit to Glasgow was of course a particularly important part of the itinerary. Here, they met with (among others) Professor Muhammad Imran, Dean of Transnational Engineering Education and the next Head of School of James Watt School of Engineering; Principal and Vice Chancellor, Sir Anton Muscatelli; Assistant Vice President for International Affairs, Professor William Cushley; Professor Kostas Kontis, Dean for Global Engagement, China and East Asia; Vice Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences Professor Sara Carter; both Glasgow College (UofG) Executive Deans (Dr Robert Partridge and Professor David Young), Miss Rachel Sandison (Deputy Vice Chancellor - External Engagement and Vice Principal - External Relations) and Mrs Laura Dickson, TNE Policy & Governance Manager. They reported fruitful conversations, including about the development of new joint programmes at both undergradate and postgraduate level. As ever, a great sense of camaraderie between the two universities was evident.
Visiting University of Glasgow were:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Professor Hu Jun | President, UESTC |
| Mr Shiquan Gao | Director, Office of International Cooperation an Exchange |
| Ms Lan Ma | Director, Office of Talent Affairs |
| Professor Ce Zhu | Dean, Glasgow College, UESTC |
| Professor Guanghui Liu | Dean, Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC |
| Professor Yu Liu | Dean, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering |
Other events on the schedule included:
- Meetings with senior staff from the College of Science and Engineering
- A tour to take in the highlights of our beautiful historic Gilmorehill campus
- An update on the exciting campus development plans underway at University of Glasgow - including the new 'Keystone building' where many School of Engineering staff will be based once it is complete in 2028
- Lunch in the Principal's Lodging and the signing of a new memorandum of understanding between the two partner universities
- Discussions about future collaborations on programmes under development including a new programmes in fields of engineering and computing science
- An authentic Scottish dining experience at renowned local restaurant The Bothy.
Professor Abbasi, a friend of President Hu, relaid a message from the VIP guest:
The support students are getting at Glasgow is amazing. I am sure they will be world changers and leaders making an impact globally after they graduate from Glasgow!
First published: 20 December 2024