Dr. Yongwei Zhang named China Center Director

Following an extensive national search, Professor Yongwei Zhang has been named director of the University of Minnesota China Center. He will begin his new position on July 1, 2007.

“Dr. Zhang has extensive experience working with the Chinese government and Chinese institutions and has earned a reputation in both China and the U.S. for his ability to develop cross-cultural programs,” said Meredith McQuaid, interim associate vice president and dean of international programs. “Dr. Zhang is the ideal person to lead the China Center and to add dimension and design to the University’s bridges to China.”

Dr. Zhang currently holds multiple positions at Missouri State University, including director of international programs and affairs, assistant vice president of research and economic development and director of university programs in Asia. He is professor of geography in the Department of Geography, Geology and Planning. He is also the chairman of the Joint Management Committee at the MSU-LNU College of International Business, MSU’s branch campus built in cooperation with Liaoning Normal University in Dalian, China.

Originally from Jilin Province in northeastern China, Dr. Zhang received his B.S. in 1982 and M.S. in 1984 in geography from Northeast Normal University in Changchun, China, and a Ph.D. in 1990 in geography with a concentration in natural resources planning and management from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. (Click here for a longer biography)

"It is a tremendous honor for me to be chosen as the new director of the renowned China Center at the University of Minnesota. I look forward to working with the incredible staff of the China Center, as well as the administrators, faculty and students at this great university,” said Dr. Zhang. “My goal is to assist the university and the community with their continued efforts in building U.S.-China bridges and enhancing cultural, economic and educational activities in the Chinese-speaking world. We are at a unique time when significant changes are taking place in the relationship between the United States and China, and I am extremely excited about the challenges and exceptional future opportunities for the China Center.”

Zhang replaces Dr. Hong Yang, who left the China Center in December for a position in the private sector.

6/10/07