Global Growth
Ohio Wesleyan Expands International Ties in Korea with Methodist Theological University Collaboration
DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University is collaborating with Methodist Theological University in Seoul, South Korea, expanding opportunities for students and faculty from each of the private higher education institutions.
Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg and Methodist Theological University (MTU) President Kyoung-dong Yoo held a ceremonial signing of the agreement Aug. 4, when an MTU contingent visited Ohio Wesleyan.
At the signing, vandenBerg reflected on a phrase he encountered during his time in South Korea: "It takes two hands to clap."
"That saying captures my gratitude for MTU's hand of friendship, partnership, and opportunity — and it's also a reminder of our responsibility to be an equally active and engaged partner in return," he shared with the ceremony attendees, which included MTU President Yoo and guests Hyung-Jin Cho, dean of External Relations and Development, and Jin-Sook Kwon, assistant professor of Practical Theology. "Together, we can open new pathways for cross-cultural understanding, collaborative research, and leadership development that prepare our graduates to thrive in a connected world."
"I'm grateful to you for extending your hand of friendship, partnership, and opportunity," vandenBerg said to Yoo and MTU guests Hyung-Jin Cho, dean of External Relations and Development, and Jin-Sook Kwon, assistant professor of Practical Theology.
Yoo shared: "We are proud of being part of your family history. … We are the people only thinking about students – students first. We are very honored to be part of this collaboration."
In addition to student and faculty exchange opportunities, both universities also agreed to organize research programs, to exchange academic materials, and to share information about and to mutually assist each other in conferences and workshops.
During their visit, the MTU contingent also met with OWU leadership, including Lisa Ho, director of the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs. Ho said she is excited by the new collaboration.
"Ohio Wesleyan is excited to offer learning opportunities around the globe," Ho said. "The collaboration with Methodist Theological University aligns with our long-held values and commitment to cross-cultural partnerships and dialogue."
OWU alumnus Horace Newton Allen, Class of 1881, was the first Protestant missionary and U.S. medical envoy to Korea. He established the first modern hospital, introduced Western technologies, and authored the first Korean-English dictionary. Allen, who was born in Delaware, also served as a U.S. Ambassador to the area from 1897 to 1905.
More recent ties include Ji Young Choi, associate professor of Politics & Government and program director of East Asian Studies, leading a travel-learning course to Korea to investigate the development of modern national identities and the political and economic modernization processes in East Asia. In addition, 20 Korean students have enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan since 2015.
Founded in 1887, Methodist Theological University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees with a focus on theological studies. It emphasizes community service and engagement, and encourages its students to participate in outreach and mission programs.
In addition to Asia, Ohio Wesleyan also has ties with colleges and universities in Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America through OWU-sponsored, affiliated, and approved programs. Learn more about the opportunities at owu.edu/IOCP.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.