Wayne State celebrates graduates of dual-degree partnership in Ningbo, China

Wayne State is proud to celebrate another cohort of graduates in its longstanding partnership with Ningbo University of Technology (NBUT, 宁波工程学院), a collaboration that continues to strengthen academic connections between the United States and China through international education.

The dual-degree program between universities gives students the opportunity to earn two internationally recognized degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering technology from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Ningbo University of Technology. By combining the strengths of both institutions, the program prepares graduates with the technical knowledge, global perspective and cross-cultural experience needed to succeed in today's engineering workforce.

To recognize this year's graduates, Wayne State's leadership, including Dr. Christine Jackson, vice provost for partnerships and workforce, Dr. Ece Yaprak, professor and chair of the engineering technology division of the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, and Fareed Y. Shalhout, executive director for strategic global engagement and operations, traveled to Ningbo, China, to participate in the commencement ceremony and celebrate alongside students, families and university partners.

During the ceremony, Dr. Jackson delivered a commencement address on behalf of Wayne State, recognizing the graduates' persistence and dedication that made their success possible. In her remarks, she also emphasized those who have helped the program flourish. "We deeply value our collaboration and appreciate the faculty, administrators and staff whose efforts have helped make this program such a meaningful experience for our students," Jackson said in her address. "We are especially proud that the program achieved full ABET accreditation on its first review."

The dual-degree program between institutions reflects the shared commitment of Wayne State University and Ningbo University of Technology in preparing students for success in an interconnected world.

"Our partnership with Ningbo University of Technology demonstrates the power of international collaboration to transform lives through education," Fareed Y. Shalhout said. "We are incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to building on this success for many years to come."

The Office of International Programs team extends its congratulations to this year's graduates and looks forward to continuing its successful partnership in the future.