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LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama today announced a dual degree agreement with its most recent international partner institution, China’s Guangdong University of Finance, to strengthen relationships, share expertise and improve educational opportunities.

“I believe great things will come of this partnership as the University offers increased global exposure for our students and faculty,” said UWA President Richard D. Holland. “As we further internationalize our curriculum, UWA positions itself as an agent of change in not only Alabama’s Black Belt, but also throughout the world.”

The University plans to welcome a cohort of Chinese students in 2011 through dual degree programs in accounting and finance, with the students studying for two years at Guangdong University of Finance before transferring to UWA’s College of Business. After completing the academic requirements at both institutions, a student will receive bachelor’s degrees from both universities.

The Guangdong University of Finance campus, located in Guangzhou, China, has a simulated bank, a simulated stock exchange and a Financial Museum of Currencies, the richest collection in South China. The University’s academic offerings include finance, international trade, economics, accounting, insurance, industrial and commercial management, business English, and marketing.

“We are impressed with the University of West Alabama’s faculty, facilities and beautiful campus,” said Guangdong University of Finance Vice President and Professor Ma Longhai. “Our freshmen are very interested in this dual degree program, and we have assigned top professors to prepare our students to transfer to UWA.”

Ken Tucker, UWA business dean, said, “We are excited about the mutually beneficial educational opportunities for both universities, including a variety of faculty and student exchange, research opportunities, study abroad, and internships. UWA is readying our students to compete in a global economy.”

In addition to the Guangdong University of Finance affiliation, UWA has also formed agreements for faculty and student exchange with both South Korea’s Konyang University and Nicaragua’s American College. Holland says the University will also continue to build its relationship with a Cuban institution through an upcoming visit in the fall.

Another important international partnership was announced as Holland signs an agreement with Mexico’s Universidad de Leon at a Montgomery press conference with Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks and former Mexican President Vincente Fox.

Founded in 1835, the University of West Alabama is an accredited regional state university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online. The Livingston institution serves not only Alabama’s Black Belt region, but also the state, nation and world through educational opportunity, academic research and public outreach.