Second JI Development Advisory Board Meeting a success

The second meeting of the University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute(UM-SJTU JI) Development Advisory Board (DAB) was held at the SJTU Minhang Campus on Oct 24, 2015, attended by elite board members from industries as well as Dean Peisen Huang, Honorary Dean Jun NI, and JI staff. VIPs included Professor James Holloway, Vice Provost for Global and Engaged Education at the University of Michigan, Professor Xun (Brian) Wu, Assistant Professor of Strategy of the UM Ross School of Business, and Professor Samson Zhang, former JI Excutive Dean.

Dean Huang briefed on JI’s recent development, such as domestic and foreign student enrollment, graduate placement, faculty recruitment, research funding, international programs and scholarship establishments. On behalf of UM, Professor James Holloway reported on President Mark Schlissel’s China trip. He said that while visiting SJTU, President Schlissel praised highly about JI’s achievements on international collaboration and looked forward to continued cooperation between the two universities.

Having fully recognized JI’s recent accomplishments, the DAB members offered advice on talent training, ten-year Anniversary activities, future development plans and innovation/entrepreneurship programs. They also discussed issues related to JI Development Fund, investment management of permanent funds and joining major college leagues. Mr. Richard Rogel, DAB Co-chair, suggested that board members, besides advising on JI’s development, help promote JI and attract more potential supporters by using their own resources. Mr. John Wu, a new DAB memeber serving as Co-chairman, thanked JI leaders for their great efforts in building JI and gave pointers on fund raising. He hoped that DAB would continue to contribute great ideas on JI’s future expansion and improvement.

After the meeting, DAB members exchanged ideas and shared their experiences with JI faculty, students and alumni. This was the second meeting since the establishment of the JI Development Advisory Board in March this year. As JI’s advising council, the DAB provides the JI leadership with guidance and support on strategies and resources for JI’s long-term development and plays an important role in promoting JI’s international collaboration. The JI DAB is composed of elite industry leaders, philanthropists and successful UM/SJTU alumni. The board members meet once or twice a year.