Nov. 18, 2010
For Immediate Release
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| Dr. Frank Cheatham, Campbellsville University vice president for academics, seated center left, and Dr. James Chin-Kyung Kim, center right, president of Yanbian University of Science and Technology (YUST), and of Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), met in the Chowning Executive Dining Room of Winters Dining Hall at CU and signed agreements of academic articulation. They were joined by a group of YUST students and CU leaders and students. (Campbellsville University Photo by Linda Waggener) |
By Linda Waggener, marketing and media relations coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Dr. James Chin-Kyung Kim, president of Yanbian University of Science and Technology (YUST) in China, and of Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) in North Korea, was a recent guest at Campbellsville University for the purpose of academic articulation. YUST and CU have agreed to establish a joint dual degree program for enhancing cooperation and development of an extensive academic and cultural exchange.
Kim’s extraordinary story of development of the two universities, building a bridge of peace across the North and South Korean borders through higher education, has been followed internationally by media including Fortune Magazine, according to Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University.
“President Kim’s work is considered even more important at CU,” said Dr. Frank Cheatham, CU vice president for academics, “where we enjoy the largest international student body percentage among any of the private schools in our state.”
Campbellsville University has been ranked 15th in the nation and first in the South for international students among baccalaureate granting institutions, according to the Open Doors Report 2008-2009.
Kim’s presentation to the groups of YUST students, CU students and leaders included information about his universities which have 300 faculty and staff from all over the world and over 2,300 graduates in their 12-year history. He added that in addition to higher education, his institutions have projects for feeding and caring for orphaned children from North Korea where “23,000 North Korean children need food clothing, shelter, faith, hope and love.”
Norma Nichols, director of international academic office at YUST, said, “Most of the world is unaware of the human suffering in North Korea. Our supporters provide money for thousands of children in need along the border.”
Kim said students are treated like family at both universities and faculty, staff and student families are neighbors in the same dormitories and share meals together. His every moment is dedicated to improving international relations and raising funds to continue building his dream of bringing Western education to the Communist countries, he said.
Dr. DeWayne Frazier, associate vice president for academic affairs, said, “The areas of cooperation between YUST and CU will include any undergraduate degree program offered at either university which can aid and foster the development and growth of both.”
Specifically YUST and Campbellsville University will work together in the exchange of students, of faculty, of academic materials, information and a dual degree program from both universities.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.