A new partnership between Ohio University and Wrexham University is creating exciting opportunities for students and faculty alike. In November, they signed an agreement to collaborate on various programs, with a special focus on coaching education.
Wrexham University, located in Wales, enrolls over 14,000 students and is recognized for its high student satisfaction and quality teaching. Its affiliation with the Wrexham Football Club, known in the U.S. from the docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham,” adds extra appeal. This connection presents unique learning experiences for Ohio students.
Patton College of Education Dean Lisa Harrison expressed excitement over the partnership, highlighting its potential to enrich student learning. Ashley Allanson, an associate professor at Ohio, noted that representatives from both universities worked diligently for over a year to establish this partnership.
Ohio University offers a distinctive online master’s degree in coaching education, which has attracted interest from Wrexham. Allanson mentioned that this partnership will help expand Ohio’s coaching program and provide students with new insights and opportunities.
Students will have chances to engage in exchange programs, gaining hands-on experience in Wales. Meanwhile, Wrexham students will benefit from learning opportunities at Ohio University.
Sara Hilton, a senior lecturer at Wrexham, shared her enthusiasm about working together. This semester, both universities are implementing a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative, allowing students to participate in shared learning experiences through virtual discussions.
This fall, Ohio students in the master’s program collaborated with Wrexham students in coaching and sports science. They learned from one another and from expert faculty. Allanson noted the students enjoyed the experience and gained valuable perspectives on coaching strategies used in different environments.
Looking to the future, the partnership will introduce additional activities, including:
- Online guest lectures for faculty to explore interesting topics.
- Opportunities for postgraduate programs in both Ohio and Wales.
- A possible study-away program for Ohio undergraduates to learn about sports in the UK.
- A student exchange program for semester-long studies at each institution.
While the initial focus is on coaching education, both universities aim to broaden their collaboration into other academic areas.
Allanson emphasized the goal of creating a sustainable international partnership. Hilton added that the partnership will enhance student mobility and academic collaboration, broadening their global outlook.
This partnership marks an exciting step towards enriching the educational experiences of students at both institutions. For more details on the collaboration and Ohio’s coaching education program, visit their Master’s of Coaching Education website.
