Michigan State Universitys College of Education has partnered with Canto University in Vietnam to open the CTU-MSU Center for Innovations in Education on the CTU campus. The center was dedicated at ceremonies on Oct. 17, and represents a milestone in expanding cooperation between the two universities.

The center, which provides office space and technology support for visiting MSU faculty, houses collaborative research programs in biotechnology, English language improvement and a school/community project. It also includes an adult and continuing education center to meet the educational needs of adults in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

This center is a concrete manifestation of the relationship that the university hopes to continue to encourage between Canto and MSU in a variety of areas, and represents one of the universitys priorities to expand globally, says Christopher Wheeler, a professor of teacher education who received the Award of Merit from Canto at the schools 40th anniversary ceremony.

Wheeler attended the dedication ceremonies along with MSUs graduate school dean and associate provost Karen Klomparens, Nguyen Anh Tuan, CTUs vice rector, Tonia Weik, deputy press and cultural affairs attach from the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and Phung Thi Nguyet Hong, an MSU College of Education alumnus who serves as director of the new center.

Wheeler said he and his MSU colleagues are involved in two programs at Canto one integrating school reform with community development and another utilizing a linkage grant that expands the relationship between the colleges and the public schools in Vietnam to improve teacher training and instruction. The programs have allowed MSU faculty to build strong research relationships with their Canto counterparts. Twelve MSU faculty have visited Vietnam so far and 15 Canto faculty have also come to the MSU campus to learn from professors here.

We think we have had a substantial impact in helping improve their teaching training program, Wheeler said. Our college has also benefited from having Vietnamese professors here to share their concerns, ask questions and expand their knowledge.

For many Americans, Vietnam is a war not a country, says Wheeler. Having people here to talk about their history, their literature, their nation is a wonderful experience for the college, the university and the schools in Lansing and East Lansing.

For more information, contact Andrea Billups Communications Manager College of Education 518B Erickson Hall kneelan1@msu.edu 517-355-1826