Lawrence Technological University is working to become something more than just a local college. The school is making headway establishing a presence overseas and forming partnerships with foreign universities as it burnishes its international reputation.
The university has signed 15 agreements with universities in China, Taiwan, India, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Germany and Canada. Another half dozen agreements are expected to be signed by the end of the year. Lawrence Tech President Lewis N. Walker just wrapped up his fifth visit to China, his third as president.
The are several motives behind this push. Lawrence Tech wants to build enduring relationships with these prestigious foreign universities, especially as the world becomes more interconnected. The agreements allow the schools to share professors, students and expertise while working together in several different areas.
Bringing in more international students and professors helps prepare the university's students for the global economy and helps the school attract more international students and out-of-state tuition. During the spring term, Lawrence Tech had 664 foreign students from more than 30 countries, not including Canada. That made up about 15 percent of the overall student body. Most of those students come from India, China and Saudi Arabia.
Source: Lawrence Technological University
Writer: Jon Zemke
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