Leaders of the World promotes international collaboration opportunities in education, business, governance, and community development. Through moderated conversations, workshops and keynotes, leaders across the globe develop long-term relationships and skills. The Leaders of the World 2016 Conference will have “The Future of Civil Society” theme, focusing on Education, Politics, Place, and Peace. These four areas will be discussed in four sessions, starting on Wednesday, November 16 afternoon.

As part of the Conference participants will have an opportunity to visit William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum on Thursday afternoon. In addition, participants will be able to tour the beautiful River Market area and walk in downtown Little Rock. For more information about the conference schedule please click here.

Whether you are a professor, a researcher, public policy specialists, or a university official, you will be able to get into discussion in a round table meeting or ask questions in moderated conversations. For program registration please click here.

 

The 2015 Leaders of the World conference will be held on the campus of The University of Central Arkansas on April 8th, 9th, and 10th. The theme of this year’s conference is “Cities of the Future” and will focus on the environmental, technological, and social challenges of communities as they plan to grow for the 21st century.  Topics include Economic Development, Environmental Planning, Emergency Management, and the Role of Education in Building Cities and Nations. The conference will bring together professionals from five continents to share their visions for global progress and how to address the challenges facing communities as we move forward into the twentieth century.

For a more details including a schedule of events and registration information, please visit www.uca.edu/leadersoftheworld/lotw2015

During the week of November, 10th a delegation from the University of Central Arkansas visited the city of Necochea, Argentina as a part of UCA’s “Leader’s of the World Program.” The purpose of the conference was to bring together students and researchers to discuss the impact that the growth of industry and wastewater management will have on coastal cities and what measures can be taken to insure the future vitality of these communities.

The delegation included the Associate Vice President and Associate Provost Jane Ann Williams, Professor of Biology Dr. Sally Entrekin, and Latin American Specialist Lara Bersano Calot.

During the visit, Dr. Sally Entrekin took a group of 26 students and researchers from the Villa Devoto School in Buenos Aires to tour a some of the most flood affected areas of Necochea and Quequén, where Dr. Entrekin and the students took samples of water, insects, and soil in order to assess the state of the water and environment.

The delegation also met with local leaders such as Federal Judge Dr. Eduardo Freiler, Marina Cardenau and Tomás Fuentes Benitez; and local institutions: Rotary Necochea, the Puerto Quequén Chamber of Professionals, The Golf Club of Necochea, the University del Centro, the British Academy, and the local newspaper “Ecos de Necochea.” At these institutions, UCA Associate Vice President and Associate Provost Jane Ann Williams gave detailed presentations about the University of Central Arkansas, graduate and undergraduate studies, programs, fellowships, and “Leaders of the World” conferences.

Lara Bersano Calot, International Engagement Latin American Specialist from UCA, coordinated an agreement signing with institutions of Necochea, namely, the Chamber of Professionals of Puerto Quequén and the University del Centro (UNICEN). Bersano Calot commented, “Necochea has proven to be an exciting city, full of incredible opportunities where we found a vibrant community of talented young people and families that understand that international relations and education are key to community development.”

The UCA “Leaders of the World” conference series hosts seminars covering a wide array of topics of global interest lead by experts in the fields of technology, environmental science, politics, and education. These seminars take place throughout the year and across the globe and provide a chance for attendees to gain first hand knowledge from the best minds in these fields. The next conference, entitled “Cities of the Future,” will take place on the UCA campus on April, April 8, 9, & 10 will focus on the environmental, technological, and social challenges of communities as they plan to grow for the 21st century.

Argentine Federal Judge Dr. Eduardo Freiler visited the campus of the University of Central Arkansas from September 24^th to 28^th to present a lecture entitled “The Global Citizen and the Rule of Law: A Latin American Perspective.” In addition, Dr. Frieler also spoke with university officials about upcoming events for the UCA “Leaders of the World” conference and lecture series including “Environment- Coastal Cities” to be held in Necochea, Argentina to be lead by UCA Science faulty this November and “Justice and Civil Society” attended by Argentine Federal Judiciary and Attorney General at UCA later this month.

During his visit, hosted by UCA International Engagement, Dr. Freiler also met with Governor Mike Beebe, was given a guided tour of the Arkansas State Capitol by Judge Rhonda Wood, and attended a lecture and reception for East China Normal University Chancellor Tong as a part of the UCA Confucius Institute Anniversary Celebration.

In addition to his work prosecuting human rights violations and political corruption, as a member of the Human Rights Commission of Public Prosecutors, Dr. Freiler has developed an extensive educational career being a faculty member and lecturing in multiple Law Schools in the Americas and Europe such as the University of Buenos Aires, University of Seville, and the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala. Currently he serves as a Federal Judge at the Argentine Criminal Court of Appeals.

 

For a full gallery of photos from Judge Freiler’s visit, please go here.

 

During their recent visit to Necochea, Argentina, officials from the University of Central Arkansas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Professionals of Puerto Quequén. The event was detailed in an article in the Ecos Diarios newspaper and can be seen here.

An English translation of the article follows:

The Chamber of Professionals of Puerto Quequen Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Central Arkansas

The Chamber of Professionals of Puerto Quequén, an entity formed by over 30 partners representing different activities carried out in Necochea, signed a memorandum of understanding with the authorities of the University of Central Arkansas, of the United States. The signing took place during the visit that authorities from the University made to our city and that was coordinated by Rotary Club of Necochea.

The agreement aims to achieve continuous cooperation on various issues ranging from the academic, cultural and technological. This agreement was signed by the president of the local Chamber, Bartholome Zubillaga, and Jane Ann Williams, representative of the President of the University.

The agreement takes dimensions when one considers that the said educational institution located in Conway is a city with less population than Necochea, but has three top-level educational institutions,  and it is known as the “city of universities.” Forty percent of the population of Conway holds a University degree, and Conway has become one of the top 25 fastest growing cities in the United States.

Entrepreneurs Exchange

Similarly, the Conway Chamber of Commerce has been identified as the best of its country, competing with similar institutions in bigger cities, such as New York, Washington, Dallas and Chicago.

The Conway Chamber has invited, through a letter sent by its authorities, to explore the exchange of business leaders, and reciprocal internships for employees at local companies that want to gain experience and improve their English.

Members of the Chamber of Puerto Quequén have recognized this agreement as extremely positive and the first step towards a continuous relationship, between the University of Central Arkansas, the community of Conway, thus opening a wide range of possibilities.

The University of Central Arkansas office of International Engagement is pleased to announce that 38 students from more than ten countries were awarded scholarships this semester.

For more information regarding scholarships for international students at UCA, please visit uca.edu/international/scholarships.

 

 

 

The recipients are as follows:

Rwandan Presidential Scholarship: Edouard Niyonsaba, Gerard Munyazikwiye, Jean Paul Ngabonziza, Enock Rwamuza, Clement Mugenzi, Jules Maurice Kwizera, Paul Niyonkuru

International Student Mobility Scholarship: Lucia Benova, Aditya Dendukuri, Anastasiya Klimiankova, Oscar Nieves Santana, Nicolette Russell, Rashan Stubbs, Alejandra Cuellar Gonzalez, Warrick Wang

Global Citizen Scholarship: Hiuman Poon, Stephanie Gonzalez, Anastassiya Khvan, Yao Li, Sergio Perez Bakovic, Denise Mallmann

Distinguished International Student Scholarship: Ha Ram Kim

Democratic Republic of the Congo Scholarship: Isimbi Ibale, Tony Kanyinda, Ruth Noella Lukuka, Jonathan Onyumbe Onosumba, Michee Ilunga, Angie Bali, Anne-Marie Lupanda Feza, Marise Nyango Gbia Mbuy, Moise Mokoy, Alexis Glody Modua Petelo, Martha Kabengele, Josue Mpia, Jonathan Kabulo, Yannick Nzinga Nzau

Dr. Marcelo De Vincenzi, Dean of Computer Technology at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana, and Dr. Patricia Zinno, Director of UAI’s Vaneduc Educational Consortium in Buenos Aries, Argentina visited the University of Central Arkansas this week as a part of UCA International Engagement’s Culture and Language Immersion Camp that is being held on the UCA campus this month. The camp, which hosts twenty-six UAI students from three different countries, is a three-week cultural summer camp for college students from around the world to learn about American culture while improving their English skill.

During their visit, they met with President Tom Courtway, Executive Vice President and Provost Steve Runge and the Council of Deans to discuss future cooperation including exchanges between UCA and UAI and special educational programming including UCA’s annual Leaders of the World Program.

“We are delighted that Dr. De Vincenzi and Dr. Zinno have taken the time to visit our university and look forward to ongoing programing with UAI,” said UCA Associate Vice President and Associate Provost, Jane Ann Williams.

In January, 2015, UCA and UAI will host a Culture and English Immersion Program for Professionals, bringing educators, legislators, and business leaders from around the world together. You can read more about the January program here.

 

On September 26th, Dr. Tong Shijun, the Chancellor of the University of Central Arkansas partner school, East China Normal University, presented lecture at the Clinton School of Public Service in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Confucius Institute.

Chancellor Tong’s lecture was entitled “The Idea of Multiple Democracies” and addressed the current political, economic and cultural development of China and its worldwide effects.

Prof. Shijun Tong is the Chancellor of East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai. He is also a member of the Social Science Committee of the National Ministry of Education of China, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Federation of Social Sciences, and Editor-in-Chief of Philosophical Analysis.

Tong got his PhD from University of Bergen in Norway in 1994 and has been a professor of philosophy at ECNU since then. He was a visiting professor at the University of Marburg of Germany and a Fulbright research scholar at Columbia University in the United States. In 2010 Tong was elected foreign member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

Tong has published more than 10 books and over 100 papers in areas of epistemology, practical philosophy, and social theory.

The UCA Confucius Institute for Arkansas was established in 2007 with East China Normal University, one of the most prestigious universities in China as its partner university. It is the 24th Confucius Institute created within the United States and one of 350 worldwide. It is the only such institute in Arkansas and one of the very few located in the South.

The mission of the Confucius Institute at the University of Central Arkansas is to strengthen the ties between the State of Arkansas and the People’s Republic of China, to enhance the mutual understanding of each respective culture, to promote Chinese language and culture within the State of Arkansas. This is done in a variety of ways including “Teaching Chinese in Arkansas” program, cultural experience, business translation and consultation services, seminars, as well as cultural performances and exhibitions.

 

Mayor Tab Townsell declared September 9^th, 2014 to be “Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas-Grupo UNIS Day”  in the City of Conway in honor of the delegation from Grupo UNIS of Varginha, Brazil’s visit to the University of Central Arkansas last week.

UNIS Education Group, founded in 1965, is a non-profit organization whose values are service, excellence and innovation and is one of Brazil’s most recognized educational institutions. The delegation included UNIS Presitdent Dr. Stefano Gazzola, Director of International Relations Carol Garcia Telles Brito and International Coordinator Genaro Campregher.

UCA Vice President of Advancement Shelley Meh read the proclamation and presented the key to the city to President and Rector of UNIS Stefano Gazzola in a ceremony at UCA on Tuesday.

During their visit, the delegation from UNIS met with UCA President Tom Courtway, Executive Vice President and Provost Steve Runge, Associate Vice President and Associate Provost, Jane Ann Williams to discuss projects including UCA’s “Leaders of the World 2016” program to be held in Brazil, as well as the Culture and Language Immersion Program in which 26 UNIS faculty and senior leaders will participate in on the UCA campus in January 2015.

Regarding their visit to UCA, Mrs. Brito commented: “President Stefano and I are very happy with the connection between UNIS and UCA. We hope to strengthen the ties between our institutions through joint projects, such as courses, conferences, research articles, language courses and cultural events.”

Mayor Townsell’s proclamation is as follows:

Whereas, The City of Conway recognizes the importance of higher education and specifically the positive impact of the University of Central Arkansas in sustaining the vibrancy and attractiveness of Conway to students, residents, and the business community; and,

Whereas, the broadest possible exposure to the full breadth of humanity is critical to create an enriched and engaging higher educational experience; and international studies, exchanges, and engagements are a critically important component of that exposure; and,

Whereas, the University of Central Arkansas of Conway, Arkansas and Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS of Varginha, Brazil wish to strengthen the relationship between the two schools in order to better enrich the collegiate experience; and,

Whereas, the Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS has sent a distinguished delegation of guests to the University of Central Arkansas and the City of Conway, in the pursuit of such an enriched relationship, including Mr. Stefano Gazzola, President and Rector, Ms. Carol Garcia Telles Brito, Director of International Relations, and Mr. Genero Campegher, Coordinator of International Relations; and,

Whereas, the City of Conway celebrates the multicultural experiences of all its citizens as it basks in the wonderful glow of higher education and the benefits and benevolences it brings,

Now therefore I, Tab Townsell, Mayor of Conway, do hereby on behalf of the City of Conway, welcome the Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS of Varginha, Brazil and distinguished guests, Dr. Stefano Gazzola, Ms. Carol Garcia Telles Brito, and Mr. Genero Campegher to our Fair City and proclaim it, “Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS Day” in the City of Conway.

 

Conway, Arkansas, September 5th 2014. Dr. Stefano Gazzola, President of UNIS: Centro Universitario do Sul de Minas, will be visiting the University of Central Arkansas campus during a 4-day cultural and academic program. UNIS is one of Brazil´s most recognized educational institutions. The delegation includes Director of International Relations Carol Garcia Telles Brito and International Coordinator Genaro Campregher.

Founded in 1965 UNIS Education Group is a non-profit organization whose values are service, excellence and innovation. UNIS’ vision is to educate socially responsible people, across all academic areas to contribute to the development of the regions in which they operate.

 

UNIS has 6,300 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, and an academic staff and faculty of 700. Although UNIS has many international collaborations, UCA is the first and only US partner.

Dr. Gazzola holds a Masters degree in industrial engineering from USFC and is an expert in Social Philosophy from the Catholic University. He also graduated in History and Philosophy from Catholic University. Currently, he is the President of the Association of Educations Foundations of Higher Education of the Association of University Centers of Minas and a Member of the Board of Education of Minas Gerais.

President Gazzola’s visit will be an occasion to foster international relations among our institutions, as well as discuss other projects including Leaders of the World 2015 to be held on the UCA campus in April, as well as the Culture and Language Immersion Program in which 20 UNIS faculty and staff will participate in January 2015.

Regarding their visit to UCA, Mrs. Brito commented: “President Stefano and I are very happy with the connection between UNIS and UCA. We hope to strengthen the ties between our institutions through joint projects, such as courses, conferences, research articles, language courses and cultural events.”

The UNIS delegation will be in Arkansas September 5^th through 9^th