Boosting Student Enrollment: How Frostburg State is Strengthening Ties with China

Frostburg State University, nestled in Western Maryland, is expanding its reach all the way to China. The university has teamed up with Hunan University of Technology and Business, allowing students in China to earn a Frostburg degree without ever stepping foot in Maryland.

Despite the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, Frostburg State is optimistic about this partnership. The university is also looking to collaborate with additional Chinese institutions. This move is seen as a way to boost revenue and counteract declining enrollment and budget cuts.

“There’s a shift happening,” says Darlene Brannigan Smith, interim president of Frostburg State. The program began as an exchange initiative and has evolved into an entrepreneurial effort.

Historically, Frostburg faced restrictions on accepting out-of-state freshmen. Recently, these constraints were lifted, allowing for greater enrollment, particularly from its Chinese partner. Today, over half of Frostburg’s out-of-state students are enrolled through Hunan University, making up 15% of the student body.

Sudhir Singh, the dean of the College of Business, Engineering, Computing & Analytics, attributes the program’s success to Hunan University’s well-connected leadership. This enables smooth operations on both sides.

In the past decade, Frostburg has seen a 27% decline in enrollment, dropping from over 5,600 students to just about 4,100. Financial challenges have led to significant cuts, including staff layoffs. Last year, the university reported a $7.7 million deficit, alongside further losses expected due to state budget cuts.

The partnership with Hunan University generates about $1 million annually for Frostburg. However, Brannigan Smith emphasizes that they aren’t solely relying on these funds for their budget. Instead, they’re investing in one-time expenses, like new equipment and faculty research.

International collaborations, like Frostburg’s, may become essential in U.S. higher education. John Haupt from Gateway International Group suggests that universities must adapt to changing conditions. With challenges like visa issues for international students, partnerships in places like China could offer stability.

Students at the Frostburg campus in China can earn degrees in economics or fine arts, with classes taught initially by local faculty before transitioning to Frostburg professors. Many students choose to study a semester in Maryland, but the majority graduate with degrees from both institutions without ever visiting the U.S.

Over 10 million people live in Changsha, where Hunan University is located. It’s a city rich in history, known as Mao Zedong’s birthplace. The partnership fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding, bridging gaps between the two nations.

While international collaborations can sometimes face scrutiny, the success of Frostburg’s program demonstrates a shift towards global education. “It’s a well-oiled machine,” Brannigan Smith said, highlighting the effective communication and support between both universities.

This partnership may set a trend for other U.S. universities to follow, as they navigate funding challenges while providing valuable education experiences worldwide.

For more details on educational trends and international partnerships, you can look at reports from the Institute of International Education.

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