UH Maui College vice chancellor participates in China-U.S. Education Forum

Mike Hansen, Paul Pai, Dan Phelan, Beth Hagan, Malcolm Grothe, Eduardo Padron, John McKee, Ron Baker

KAHULUI, Hawai'i — UH Maui College Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. John McKee was one of six U.S. higher education leaders who recently participated in the “2013 China–U.S. Education Forum” held in Dalian, China. The forum was held October 23–25, 2013 and sponsored by Dalian City Foreign Affairs Office, Dalian China U.S. Economic and Cultural Exchange Association, and the U.S.-based Community College Baccalaureate Association. Dr. McKee’s presentation addressed the community service function of the American college.

The purpose of the forum was to establish a platform for exchanging innovative ideas, best practices and to exchange quality U.S. and China practices and resources to expand and improve its vocational and technical education. Collaborations involving student and faculty exchanges, articulation agreements and short-term visits were discussed. The meeting included 200 representatives from Chinese institutions that confer three-year degrees in Technical Education.

More than fifty U.S. community colleges now confer baccalaureate degrees in workforce related disciplines including Health, Technology, Business and Education. A list of the 150 degrees now being conferred can be found on the CCBA website at www.accbd.org.

The U.S.-based Community College Baccalaureate Association was asked to invite the six college leaders. Joining Dr. McKee as U.S. delegates were Dr. Eduardo Padron, President, Miami Dade College (Florida); Dr. Dan Phelan, President, Jackson College (Michigan); Mr. Michael Hansen, President, Michigan Community College Association; Dr. Ron Baker, President, Baker Collegiate Consulting (Washington); Dr. Malcolm Grothe, Associate Vice Chancellor, South Seattle Community College District (Washington); and, Dr. Beth Hagan, Executive Director of the Community College Baccalaureate Association.