Pamplin College of Business welcomed a distinguished delegation from Xidian University (XDU) in China at the beginning of April. This visit provided an excellent opportunity for faculty and staff to engage with key representatives from XDU, explore future collaborations, and discuss preparations for the arrival of XDU students this fall.

Associate Dean Michelle Seref and Dr. Jennifer Clevenger officially welcomed the Xidian University delegation, including high-level officials from the central administration and the School of Economics and Management (SEM). Among them were Wenkai Zhu, Vice President and Research Fellow; Jian Chai, Dean of the School of Economics and Management;  and Xinyue Li, Director of the Office of Joint Education.

On their arrival day, the Joint Management Committee held a meeting on graduate school opportunities. Later, the delegation was treated to a welcome lunch, during which Dr. Dan Sui, Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer, joined the group, marking the importance of the visit and engaging in early conversations about research opportunities and academic collaboration.

A warm and celebratory dinner was held at the University Club that evening. Dean Saonee Sarker welcomed the XDU delegation and invited them to embrace the Hokie Spirit. In a special gesture of friendship, a Virginia Tech football signed by Head Coach Brent Pry was presented to Vice President Wenkai Zhu, symbolizing the strong connection and camaraderie being built between the two institutions.

Faculty members from XDU’s SEM Business School also joined the visit: Dr. Weili Zhang, Associate Professor and Joint Program Director; Xunbu Ma, Discipline Assistant and  Professor; and  Dr. Yujuan Zheng, Assistant Professor and Joint Program Assistant. In addition, key partners from Huacui Global—Chunhai Yu, President, and Rujun (Annie) Lou, Associate, accompanied the group. Huacui Global is pivotal in facilitating the growing partnership between Xidian University and VT.

During their stay, the delegation toured the Pamplin College of Business, gaining insight into its facilities, academic programs, and student resources. The visit served as a productive platform for collaborative brainstorming, particularly regarding the arrival of XDU students in the fall. Both sides expressed enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring a smooth and enriching transition for these incoming students.

The delegation also traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit with program professors and graduate school representatives. The group caught up with professors teaching summer courses at XDU and started exploring possibilities for students to attend graduate school.

The visit significantly strengthened the growing relationship between VT (PCOB) and Xidian University (SEM). We are excited to continue this meaningful collaboration and look forward to welcoming XDU students to our campus later this year. Our shared efforts will enrich academic communities and create a foundation for ongoing cultural and educational exchange.