The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis recently launched a formal alliance with Fudan University, one of the leading universities in China.
As part of this growing relationship, Fudan and the Brown School will hold a summer institute in Shanghai to develop policy and management skills for the first generation of social work leaders, NGO leaders and government officials.
“Social work is growing at a stunning pace in China,” says Edward F. Lawlor, PhD, dean and the William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor at the Brown School.
“In the past several years, with the support of the government, the number of university-based social work programs has grown,” Lawlor says. “Fudan seeks a partner that can help them establish programs with high academic quality.”
Other initial areas of collaboration between the schools are visits and exchange of faculty and doctoral students, educational programs, joint research, practicum opportunities and access to library resources.
The relationship between the School of Social Development and Public Policy at Fudan and the Brown School has grown over recent years with school leadership and faculty visiting both institutions.
Fudan and WUSTL
Founded in 1905, Fudan University is one of the most prestigious universities in China with an international reputation for excellence in academics and scientific research. Fudan has an enrollment of more than 26,000 full-time students, approximately 3,500 faculty members and 17 schools. It is actively engaged in international student and faculty exchanges.
WUSTL and Fudan University are partners in several academic endeavors, including the Olin Business School’s Executive MBA program, ranked No. 1 one in mainland China since 2005 by the Financial Times; intensive language programs for undergraduates; and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.
The McDonnell Academy brings together exceptional international graduate and professional students from its 27 partner institutions worldwide to pursue a world-class education and research while forging a strong network with one another. The program is designed to prepare them as future leaders knowledgeable about the United States, other countries and critical international issues.
The academy also encourages other initiatives, such as faculty collaboration across institutions on global issues, including energy, the environment, cultural understanding, human health and economic and social development.