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ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ, Japanese university sign memorandum of understanding

ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ, Japanese university sign memorandum of understanding

Contact: Allison Matthews


Nihon University's College of Industrial Technology Dean Minoru Ochiai and ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ President Mark E. Keenum signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday [June 23] to enhance the educational and research opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions.
Photo by: Beth Wynn

STARKVILLE, Miss.--ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ and a major Japanese university are coming together to enhance educational and research opportunities, as well as the experiences of their respective students and faculty.

The Nihon University College of Industrial Technology signed a formal agreement with ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ Tuesday [June 23] while visiting campus. The memorandum of understanding outlines opportunities for qualified students enrolled at one university to study at the other, as well as specifies that the two academic institutions plan to develop cooperative endeavors regarding research and education. They also will seek opportunities to share faculty and research scholars.

"Mississippi State continues to expand the university's global footprint through relationships like the one we've developed with our colleagues at Nihon University," said ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ President Mark E. Keenum. "These relationships are invaluable for furthering our mutual goals as research universities. We're grateful for the opportunities that will develop for students and faculty members at both institutions."

Additionally, the agreement says the two universities may expand their ongoing relationship as they identify commonalities, and that the exchange of educational and cultural materials is in the interest of both parties.

Jon Rezek, ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ interim associate vice president of international programs, emphasized that the study abroad opportunities for students is a particular benefit of the MOU.

"Tokyo is one of the most dynamic and exciting, yet safe, cities in the world. For those with an interest in Japanese language or culture, this new MOU with Nihon University offers a wonderful opportunity to study in a fantastic location," Rezek said.

As the state's flagship research university, ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ is a recognized leader in a number of fields, and well known for productive partnerships, real-world impact, and offering undergraduate and graduate students unique research opportunities. In FY 2013, ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ's research and development expenditures totaled $206 million -- representing nearly half of all R&D by higher education in the state, according to National Science Foundation data.

ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ is Mississippi's flagship research university, available online at , facebook.com/msstate, instagram.com/msstate and twitter.com/msstate.