Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University and a major Japanese university are coming together to enhance educational and research opportunities, as well as the experiences of their respective students and faculty.

The Nihon University College of Industrial Technology signed a formal agreement with MSU Tuesday [June 23] while visiting campus. The memorandum of understanding outlines opportunities for qualified students enrolled at one university to study at the other, as well as specifies that the two academic institutions plan to develop cooperative endeavors regarding research and education. They also will seek opportunities to share faculty and research scholars.

"Mississippi State continues to expand the university's global footprint through relationships like the one we've developed with our colleagues at Nihon University," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. "These relationships are invaluable for furthering our mutual goals as research universities. We're grateful for the opportunities that will develop for students and faculty members at both institutions."

Additionally, the agreement says the two universities may expand their ongoing relationship as they identify commonalities, and that the exchange of educational and cultural materials is in the interest of both parties.

Jon Rezek, MSU interim associate vice president of international programs, emphasized that the study abroad opportunities for students is a particular benefit of the MOU.

"Tokyo is one of the most dynamic and exciting, yet safe, cities in the world. For those with an interest in Japanese language or culture, this new MOU with Nihon University offers a wonderful opportunity to study in a fantastic location," Rezek said.

As the state's flagship research university, MSU is a recognized leader in a number of fields, and well known for productive partnerships, real-world impact, and offering undergraduate and graduate students unique research opportunities. In FY 2013, MSU's research and development expenditures totaled $206 million -- representing nearly half of all R&D by higher education in the state, according to National Science Foundation data.

MSU is Mississippi's flagship research university, available online at www.msstate.edu, facebook.com/msstate, instagram.com/msstate and twitter.com/msstate.