Welcome to International Programs at the University
of Missouri (MU). I hope that your review of
the many functions and exciting initiatives will leave
you informed, stimulated and hopeful about MU's global
approach to education, service,
and collaboration.
Beginning in 2001, MU embarked
on a global approach to diversity and internationalization
to harmonize with contemporary and future demographic,
economic and social trends, now sweeping the globe. We
moved in this direction so that our students, university
personnel and varied constituents may discover and embrace
the necessity to be prepared to manage and succeed in
new environment of change and globalization. This is now
spurred on by an expectationsembedded in the Nationl Association
of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC)
landmark report: A
call to leadership.
Our initiatives fall mainly into three broad categories: International Education and Programs; Continuous Process Improvement and International Economic Development. We have collectively packaged these strategic initiatives into one office called International Programs. The intent of these initiatives is driven home by the preamble to our guiding strategy document entitled, "An International Vision for MU." It states that:
"At the University of Missouri-Columbia, our commitment to internationalization must be so
deeply embedded in our core activities and mission that an international perspective permeates
every aspect of the MU experience. Being part of a global society is not a matter of choice.
Likewise, encountering an international opportunity at MU must not be merely an option for
our faculty, staff and students. Our vision for a truly internationalized campus requires a deep
and abiding commitment."
Like many of those institutions designated as a Land-Grant, Research One, AAU, Flagship University, the University of Missouri and its collaborators are positioned to move with the pace of change. The challenges and opportunities we are called upon to address are not uniquely confined to the state of Missouri or to the United States. As streaming headlines will show, migration, global market forces, social changes and unprecedented expectations for inclusion and equity are leading people and industry to transcend borders today, as freely as capital and ideas began to do so only a few decades ago.
We believe that our initiatives are designed to help bridge cultures and geography through international education and exchange experience. Also, through the many research and technical projects and collaborative agreements, carried out by our colleges and departments, we seek to address problems related to health, agriculture, and public policy. It is through these venues that MU continues to help people, organizations and communities move forward in pace with accelerating global change.
Please enjoy your visit with us. As we engage in this bold and timely endeavor, we invite your comments. Click here for more information about the Vice Provost.
Sincerely,
Handy Williamson, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for International Programs
Message from VP