College Forms Relationship with Vietnam’s Dong Nai University

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Partnership furthers international teaching and research impact

In October 2014, the OSU College of Education and Dong Nai University (DNU), the largest teaching college in Vietnam, signed a memorandum of understanding, signaling a commitment to work together on teaching and research activities. This spring, multiple exchange projects are developing through the College of Education’s International Office.   

“This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for the College of Education to expand our international teaching and research impact with this leading university in Vietnam,” Dr. John Romans, Interim Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies and Outreach, said. “Ms. Vallory Vencill, our International Coordinator, has been instrumental in bringing these activities to life as conceptualized by Dr. Steve Wanger and Mr. Ky Le.”

The relationship between OSU and DNU has grown out of work initiated by Steve Wanger, associate professor in educational leadership, and OSU Ph.D. student Ky Le. Le serves as the director of Dong Nai’s English teaching program. His research focus is on higher education in Southeast Asia.

In April, OSU School administration faculty Kathy Curry and Lou Sabina are slated to travel to Vietnam to teach two short-term courses to more than 100 school administrators there. Curry will lead the course for secondary administrators and Sabina for Pre-K school leaders.

Plans are also underway for the College of Education to host 20 English teaching faculty from DNU on the Stillwater campus in July. The DNU faculty will participate in an English teaching methodology class led by associate professor Elvira Sanatullova-Allison. DNU faculty will have the opportunity to observe literacy classes and participate in cultural activities as well.

Preparations are also underway for a four-week visit by DNU administrators to OSU in 2016. The program will focus on higher education administration in the U.S., evaluating faculty teaching and expanding higher education development in Vietnam.