From May 7 to 14, 2025, a delegation from The University of Texas at Dallas engaged in a transformative visit to Taiwan, combining institutional partnerships, alumni engagement, and collaborative planning for future dual degree programs and research. The delegation was led by Dr. Juan González, Vice Provost for Global Engagement, and Dr. Jennifer S. Holmes, Dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, and included Dr. Dohyeong Kim, Senior Associate Dean of EPPS; Dr. James Harrington, Associate Dean of EPPS; and Dr. Karl Ho, Director of the Taiwan Studies Initiative.
NCCU Partnership Advances Global Diplomacy and Dual Degrees
On May 9, the UT Dallas delegation visited National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan’s top institution for diplomacy and international affairs. The visit featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and included key discussions on establishing a Dual Degree Program in Political Science and Diplomacy, as well as expanding faculty and student exchanges. Dr. Karl Ho also participated in collaborative planning efforts to further international academic cooperation.
Celebrating UTD Alumni Impact Across Taiwan
A luncheon on May 10 gathered accomplished UTD alumni, including Dr. Mike Tso (Soochow University), Dr. Yi-Bin Chang (Tamkang University), Dr. Joe Chen (Fu Jen Catholic University), and Jim Pan (SDAR graduate 2024). The event highlighted the strength and reach of UTD’s alumni community in Taiwan.
During the visit, the delegation met Taylor Crockett in Taichung, who is completing his master’s thesis and is set to become the first graduate of the dual Master’s in SDAR/Data Science program (2025), earning degrees from both UTD and National Chung Hsing University.
They also met with UTD alum Dr. Dennis Weng, a political science professor at Sam Houston State University and a well-known commentator in both the U.S. and Taiwan. Dr. Weng’s work on U.S.–Taiwan politics is featured in academic publications and regularly appears in news programs in both countries.
Presidential Welcome and Strategic Dialogue at Soochow University and Expanding Dual Degree Programs at NCHU
On May 12, the delegation visited Soochow University and met with President Dr. Chyan-Long Jan and key faculty members. Discussions centered on enhancing international collaboration and were followed by a luncheon with President Jan and Dr. Wayne Liang.
Later that day, the delegation traveled to National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) in Taichung, where they met with Dr. Peter Pan and Dr. Kai-Jung Chi. Dr. Pan has played a key role in launching two dual degree programs with UTD—the Master of Public Administration and the Master of SDAR/Data Science. Discussions focused on strengthening these programs and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
Academia Sinica Visit Explores Research Collaboration
On May 13, the delegation met with Dr. Chung-Li Wu and Dr. Wen-Chin Wu at Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s premier academic institution. Topics included joint conferences, student research opportunities, and visiting scholar programs, marking the beginning of a promising institutional partnership.
Connecting with NTU’s Rising Political Economy Hub
Dr. Karl Ho also visited National Taiwan University (NTU), where he met with Dr. Hans Tung, Associate Dean of the School of Political Science and Economics (SPE). NTU’s SPE is emerging as a regional hub for research in political economy and finance and has expressed strong interest in international collaboration.
The Taiwan visit reflects UT Dallas’ commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and strengthening ties with its international alumni. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative innovation, the university continues to prepare students for impactful leadership across borders.