Several members of the Hainan MPA cohort dressed for graduation in 2010. (May 2010)
The University of Utah was the first ever to host a cohort of MPA students/managers from China in the U.S. or possibly, anywhere in the world. Since January 2008, the University of Utah has been teaching a graduate program in public administration for groups of 25 public, nonprofit and business managers who have been identified as future top leaders of Hainan Province, China. The managers study English language intensively before beginning a highly selective admissions process that includes in-person interviews with a team of University of Utah faculty. Many of them already have graduate degrees before starting their Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Utah, and all of them are bright, gregarious, articulate, and sincerely want to talk with a variety of people from Utah. These truly are future leaders of China – not only of Hainan. Hainan is a beautiful tropical island province slightly smaller than Taiwan, on latitude with Hawaii, southwest of Hong Kong and Macao. It is reportedly the largest Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China with unusually flexible trade regulations and tariffs. It is often referred to as the “Hawaii of China.” Hainan has been officially designated as an international tourism destination and is rapidly developing a world-wide reputation for its 5-star hotels, beaches, golf courses, clean air and water, and coconut trees.
Professor Steven Ott presents a proposal to the Director General of the Hainan Province Organizational Department for the creation and funding of University of Utah-Hainan University policy research. Haikou, Hainan. (December 2009)
The first Hainan cohort graduated in May 2009 and all have already received major promotions with expanded responsibilities in their agencies or in other organizations. The second group will graduate in August 2010, and the third cohort will arrive later that month. After their intensive 17 month program, the managers return to Hainan with a nationally-ranked MPA degree from the University of Utah and a new understanding of life, business, and government in the United States.
While in Salt Lake City, the Hainan students/managers take graduate courses that are adapted for their circumstances, meet with government and business leaders, attend cultural events such as concerts at Deer Valley and in Salt Lake City, and travel extensively to learn about the United States. In addition to National Parks in Utah, Arizona and Wyoming, some have traveled, for example, to California, Chicago, Boston, Honolulu, Miami, Seattle, Savannah, Nashville, and even to Fairbanks, Alaska to experience the Northern Lights. Several of the trips – including to the east coast – were by car so they could talk with local people at stops along the way.
The University of Utah has built on the relationships created through the MPA program to create several other programs with Hainan University, Hainan Medical College, and departments of the Hainan Province government. Examples include –
- A four-week Executive Policy Leadership program for senior managers in business, government and nonprofits. The first group was in Utah from September to November 2009 to learn about sustainable economic development through tourism. Local leaders who worked with them included, for example, Lew Cramer, President & CEO, World Trade Center Utah, Leigh von der Esch, Managing Director, Utah Office of Tourism and Film, Brett Heimburger, Regional Director for Asia, International Trade and Diplomacy and a variety of business and civic people in Salt Lake City, Moab and Park City.
- A one-week University Executive Leadership program at the University of Utah for vice presidents, deans, and directors at Hainan University. The first group was in Utah in Nov 2009. The second group will be in Salt Lake City in fall 2010.
- The first group of Hainan Medical College students and faculty are in Salt Lake City to earn graduate degrees in public health. And, our medical school faculty and students are helping Hainan build its network of rural clinics and health care deliverers.
- The first Hinckley Institute of Politics interns traveled to Haikou City, Hainan in fall 2010 and spring 2011. In addition to working, the interns took courses in Chinese language and history. The first two undergraduate exchange students from Hainan were at the University of Utah in 2009-10.
- Faculty exchanges have also begun. A U of U faculty member lectured on American society and government at Hainan University last December for two weeks. HU’s first exchange faculty will arrive in SLC in August 2010.
The association with Hainan Province has been very productive – a wonderful experience for students and faculty at the University of Utah. Indeed we have learned at least as much from them as they have from us! The trusting relationships – friendships – built while they are here are already opening opportunities for Utah business and recreational travel exchanges with “the Hawaii of China.”
Contacts for additional information at the University of Utah:
Rick Green, MPA faculty and until June 30, MPA Program Director, rick.green@cppa.utah.edu
Steven Ott, Director, Institute of Public and International Affairs and MPA faculty, jsott@cppa.utah.edu
Craig Nielsen, Hainan Program Coordinator, craig.nielson@cppa.utah.edu
