The University of Oklahoma Mandarin Language Education Center advances the University of Oklahoma's mission of global engagement, academic excellence, and community partnership by expanding opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the broader Mandarin-speaking world.
We aim to promote excellence in Mandarin language education through innovative teaching, professional development, and community outreach while connecting students with study abroad programs, internships, scholarships, and collaborative research opportunities in Taiwan. By fostering linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, experiential learning, and meaningful international connections, the Center equips students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives needed for academic, professional, and personal success while strengthening educational and cultural ties between Oklahoma and the broader Mandarin-speaking world.
The Mandarin Language Education Center celebrated our opening on Wednesday 9/23 with our opening ceremony. Over 100 friends and colleagues from OU and abroad turned out at the Sam Noble Museum of History to celebrate our mission to build bridges, not just between countries or cultures, but between people—opening doors to new opportunities for Mandarin learners all across Oklahoma, be that scholarships, internships, or community.
The OU Mandarin Language Education Center Director Nian Liu traveled to Taiwan as part of the Oklahoma delegation organized by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in conjunction with SEMICON Taiwan, a professional convention with participants from over 65 countries. SEMICON covered topics ranging from Supply Chain Resilience to Quantum Technology. The delegation from Oklahoma had the opportunity to meet with leading researchers and industry pioneers to talk about how Oklahoma (and OU) can compete on a global stage. The delegation included representatives from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa, as well as Oklahoma government and business leaders. Representatives from the three universities also participated in a joint alumni event in Taipei.
The OU Mandarin Language Education Center (MLEC) went to Houston this week to visit the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). TECO Director General Yvonne Hsiao welcomed us to Houston, and Director Rebecca Lan of the Education Department met with the MLEC to talk about student internships, upcoming events, and strengthening the ties between TECO and the MLEC. We look forward to collaborating with TECO to promote Mandarin language and culture.
Teachers in Oklahoma and Taiwan were excited to work with Dr. Chen Ya-Fang. Dr. Chen, whose specialty is assessment and teacher training, shared her expertise on Second Language Aquisition, and assessments. She also shared some useful tools and skills-based activities for Mandarin teachers. If you missed this training, keep checking our events page for the next one!
On June 25th, 2026, The OU Mandarin Language Education Center held an online unveiling ceremony to commemorate the soft opening of the Mandarin Language Education Center. Special guests included Rebecca Lan from the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, Lynne Lee, VP of International Affairs, and Industry-academia Affairs and University Extension from our sponsoring university, Ming Chuan University, Zion Qin, director of the Ming Chuan University Mandarin Training Center, and other distinguished persons. Thanks to everyone who came to our ceremony!
The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma has named Ryan Peters as Assistant Dean for Student Success and Advising. He begins his new role immediately.
The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma has named Dr. J.P. Masly as its inaugural Associate Dean for Infrastructure and Operations, pending approval by the OU Board of Regents. He is expected to begin his new role May 16, 2026.
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