HOUSTON (June 20, 2012) – Lone Star College System and the Shanghai Oriental Chinese Education Development Center (SOCEDC) executed a memorandum of understanding June 11 to form the Texas Center for Sino-U.S. Education and Cultural Exchange.
The center will be called the “Texas Center” and be housed at LSC-University Park campus.
“There is an increasing interest in the American community college system from all-around the globe,” said Dr. Richard Carpenter, LSCS chancellor. “China in particular is interested in our ability to train oil and gas technicians, who are badly needed for oilfield operations.”
LSC-University Park was very appealing to the SOCEDC because of its extensive and innovative partnerships which would benefit students locally and internationally.
“Students can complete a high school diploma from iSchool High and at the same time take classes toward an industry certificate or associate degree from LSC-University Park,” said Shah Ardalan, CEO of LSC-University Park. “In addition, students can continue and earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from one of our four university partners located in the same facility.”
The SOCEDC is a nonprofit organization that promotes Chinese culture and traditions by organizing and expanding overseas contacts and cultural exchange programs, including educational programs.
“LSC-University Park is designed to be a college as well as an incubator for innovative partnerships between education, business and industry, and the community,” said Ardalan. “This partnership reaffirms our commitment to the local community’s prosperity through a global and innovative vision.”
Ardalan said the agreement includes creating dynamic program content including student exchange, ESL and leadership training, and workforce development needs both locally and globally.
The innovative partnership with Shanghai was designed with a sustainable business model by Michael Mathews, chief strategist for innovation and entrepreneurship at LSC-University Park.
Dr. Jianhong Sheng, director for SOCEDC, credits their desire to partner with LSC-University to the trust and innovation that was designed in the model early on in their discussions with LSCS. Dr. Sheng also commented on the impressive world-class facilities and quality of the curriculum at LSC-University Park.
With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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