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Chinese Institute deepens ties with MTSU

J. Intintoli
/
MTSU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  The Confucius Institute and the Chinese Education Ministry are deepening their ties to Middle Tennessee.

The Institute announced earlier this week that it’s awarded a $1 million grant to Middle Tennessee State University to open what’s being called a “Chinese music and cultural center” on the MTSU campus.

The 3200 square foot Center is expected to open late next year and will include a museum dedicated to traditional Chinese instruments.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee says the deal will also provide additional opportunities for MTSU music students.

“The academic component of this program will be housed in the school of music, under the director of the school and the faculty. This will not be controlled externally. This will be part of all the processes, procedures and requirements that we have in place.”

MTSU says it has been invited to discuss the possibility of opening a “Chinese Center of American studies" at China’s Hangzhou University and will begin those negotiations immediately.

The Chinese Education Ministry has established more than 440 similar institutes in 120 countries. The Confucius Institute opened on the MTSU campus in 2009.

Would you like to watch a video of the press event announcing the grant?