MU Signs Agreement with Bogor Agricultural University

Columbia, MO, August 30, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The University of Missouri (MU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bogor Agricultural University in Indonesia. The goal of the partnership is to cooperate and collaborate on projects and activities with a scientific and agricultural focus.

MU’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) especially welcomes the new partnership and took a leading role in establishing the linkage along with the Asian Affairs Center and Office of the Vice Provost for International Programs.

According to CAFNR Associate Dean Marc Linit, “The MOU represents a commitment by faculty and administrators at MU and Bogor to pursue collaborative and cooperative programs in undergraduate and graduate education and research.” Linit also explained that “the success of building programs of mutual interest lies with establishing faculty relationships across institutions.”

A large crowd turned out for the MOU signing with Bogor Agricultural University. Individuals representing MU’s Division of Applied Social Sciences; College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; and College of Engineering were present. Additionally, dignitaries from the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago witnessed the signing as well along with Jason Van Eaton from Kit Bond Strategies LLP.

The visit yielded substantial positive feelings on all sides. Asian Affairs Director Sang Kim, who has hosted numerous delegations over the years, commented that “this was by far the best in terms of getting the visiting partners connected so effectively” to MU. The delegation enjoyed seeing MU’s campus and were impressed. Kim noted that “the highlight of the visit was when Rector Suhardiyanto said that they wanted a very comprehensive partnership with the University of Missouri.”

Bogor Agricultural University was founded in 1963 and opened the first graduate school in Indonesia in 1975. It is the only state university in Indonesia focusing on tropical agriculture and life sciences in a broad sense. With a focus on promoting the nation’s competitiveness, developing science and technology, building a system of higher education management, and promoting civil society, Bogor Agricultural University’s goals closely match MU’s own programs. Like MU, Bogor Agricultural University is also interested in producing qualified graduates capable of developing and applying science and technology, and responding to dynamic change in society.