On June 10, the inauguration ceremony for the Hubei University of Economics-Frostburg College of Carbon Economy and Data Science was held. In attendance were Frostburg State University President Dr. Darlene Smith and Vice President Dr. Alan Walker; as well as Hubei University of Economics Party Committee Secretary Gao Yiyong, President Fang Jie, Deputy Party Secretary Wang Da, and Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President Fu Hong.
Prior to the inauguration ceremony, Secretary Gao Yiyong warmly received Dr. Darlene Smith and her delegation. He pointed out that this meeting represents not only an exchange and collaboration between the two universities but also a much-anticipated and enthusiastic return and reunion in the field of China-U.S. higher education. He expressed hope that both sides could seize the opportunity, fully leverage their respective strengths, invest high-quality educational resources, and create a model for China-U.S. cooperative education.
At the inauguration ceremony, President Fang Jie extended a warm welcome to Dr. Darlene Smith and her delegation, thanking Frostburg State University for its efficient, united, and professional cooperation during the application process for the establishment of the institution. President Fang Jie introduced the basic situation of Hubei University of Economics and emphasized that both sides should be committed to jointly building an efficient and smooth bridge for international exchanges for teachers and students, promoting collaborative research between Chinese and American scholars, deeply exploring cutting-edge issues and development patterns in the innovation of business education, innovating paths and models for cooperative education, and accelerating the layout of undergraduate and graduate programs integrating low-carbon economy and big data. The aim is to work together to create a benchmark and model for China-U.S. higher education exchange and cooperation.
Dr. Darlene Smith expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from Hubei University of Economics. She stated that global education is not a luxury but a necessity in today's world, and the establishment of the Hubei University of Economics-Frostburg College of Carbon Economy and Data Science exemplifies the shared belief in the power of education to build bridges, foster understanding, and create a shared future. Dr. Smith said that Frostburg State University will continue to provide comprehensive academic support, professional faculty, and diverse resources. Together with Hubei University of Economics, they will encourage students to think boldly and innovate courageously, cultivating high-quality talents with global vision and international competitiveness.
The presidents of both universities jointly unveiled the plaque for the Hubei University of Economics-Frostburg College of Carbon Economy and Data Science.
Following the inauguration ceremony, the first meeting of the Joint Management Committee was convened. During the meeting, both sides reported on the preparatory work of the College, unanimously approved the composition and operational mechanisms of the first Joint Management Committee and Academic Committee, and held in-depth discussions on future cooperation plans, reaching multiple consensuses.
Also attending the events were representatives from Frostburg State University's College of Business, Engineering, Computing, and Mathematical Sciences and College of Arts, Humanities, Social, and Behavioral Sciences; as well as representatives from Hubei University of Economics' Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, the Frostburg College of Carbon Economy and Data Science, Academic Affairs Office, Finance Department, School of Low-Carbon Economics, School of Statistics and Mathematics, and School of International Education.
The Hubei University of Economics-Frostburg College of Carbon Economy and Data Science is a Sino-foreign cooperative education institution formally approved by the Ministry of Education. It will begin enrollment this year, offering two undergraduate programs: Resource and Environmental Economics, and Data Science and Big Data Technology. The College adopts a 4+0 dual-degree model, where one-third of the core courses will be taught at Hubei University of Economics by professors from Frostburg State University. Students who study at Hubei University of Economics for four years and meet the graduation requirements will receive bachelor's degree certificates from both universities and the undergraduate diploma from Hubei University of Economics. The establishment of the College aims to cultivate high-end talents in the dual carbon field and big data technology application, who possess national wisdom, international vision, and global responsibility. It will provide talent support and intellectual backing for serving the national commitments of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and the Digital China strategy, assisting Hubei Province's green rise and its goal of building a national core area for big data innovation and an influential industrial cluster.