ASNUNTUCK VISION: GOING GLOBAL


Asnuntuck Community College has entered into a partnership with Qingdao Vocational and Technical College of Shandong Province, China. Asnuntuck Community College President, Martha McLeod, traveled recently to China to set the partnership in motion.

I sat down with Dr. McLeod this past week and learned what this program means for the students of Asnuntuck, as well as, students in China. It appeared to me that the trip and the opportunities that this relationship brings will be just the first in many possibilities for the future of Asnuntuck.

There is really no way I can share everything about Dr. McLeod trip, but let me try and enlighten our community about what this means for your students.

First, we must understand that Connecticut, as well as, the United States is part of a global economy. Connecticut alone trades with China in area of 300 million in a year’s time. That means that we must train and prepare our next generation in the language and customs of the Chinese people.

Dr. McLeod , along with Rockville Bank President and School Trustee Bill McGurk, spent the early part of November laying the foundation for a program that is sure to excel our students in meeting the future global need.

In a statement by President McLeod she said, “They want to partner with us” and “they want to do business with us”. The question is, are we ready?

To show the priority that the Chinese government put on the visit from the Asnuntuck Community College leadership the school delegation was met by Director of the Ministry of Education, Dinghua Wang. From there they met with countless dignitaries and finally with Dr. McLeod counterpart at Qungdau Vocational and Technical College, Dr. Shi Zhongjian.


Asnuntuck and her sister school have much in common. They both offer Associate Degrees, both prepare students for the workforce, both partner successfully with business and industry, and both schools are rapidly growing.

So, what does this mean to you and your students?

Well, beginning in January 2007 Asnuntuck Community College will be offering a new course: Introduction to Chinese Culture, History, and Language. This course will lay the foundation for developing future learning experiences to answer the global business need. With educational programs like this Asnuntuck is building tomorrow’s global responsible leaders.

Let’s face facts. Students upon graduation face a competitive job market. Their degree is a starting point to open doors for them. However, by having training in cross-cultural programs they will gain an edge in the world of business and industry.


I spoke recently to someone who works in the aerospace industry and learned that students well versed in other cultures and language, especially Chinese, will be in great demand.

With so many companies dealing daily with foreign businesses, it only makes sense to include academic program courses that meet the requirements for the future.

Asnuntuck has met this challenge with vision and enthusiasm.

So here is what I encourage. If you want to increase your ability to compete in this global economy with the tools to set yourself above the rest then enroll in January at Asnuntuck in the Chinese course of study.

You can call the school admissions office at 860-253-3000. The staff will assist you with this study, as well as, all other programs to prepare you for future success.

Last, I want to complement Dr. Martha McLeod and the entire staff at Asnuntuck. They are true visionaries in the educational field. Their excitement is only surpassed by their professionalism.

In the future Asnuntuck hopes to offer a certificate in International Studies and plans are in the work for students to travel to China to see for themselves the value of training in the language and customs of that country.

The opportunities are endless. The future is global. The studies are being offered. Now, it’s up to you to call and enroll.

Greg Stokes