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Faculty Support
Faculty Research Grant
The Light Center for Chinese Studies provides support to Western Michigan University faculty for research and creative activities related to the study of greater China. All board-appointed, full-time faculty are eligible to apply. Research grants are valued at up to $4,000.
Light Center Mini Grants
Interested WMU faculty can apply for a mini-grant up two times per academic year, limited to $1,500 per annum. Mini-grants are intended to support China-related activities such as guest speaker fees, conferences, field trips, publishing costs, teaching needs and more.
The Center History and Advisory Board
Established in fall 2010, the Light Center for Chinese Studies was created to enhance the work of faculty and graduate researchers at Western Michigan University who have expertise in some field of Sinology, or teaching or research interests in China.
The family of Dr. Timothy Light, professor emeritus of comparative religion and former WMU provost, provided funding for the Center and its activities through a generous endowment.
Dr. Jacqueline Eng
Dr. Timothy Light
Professor Emeritus, Department of Comparative Religion
WMU College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Jianping Shen
Professor of Educational Leadership, and Evaluation, Measurement and Research
WMU College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Ann Veeck
Professor, Department of Marketing
WMU Haworth College of Business
Patrick D. Wilson
Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Sculpture, Frostic School of Art
WMU College of Fine Arts
Dr. Victor Xiong
Professor, Department of History
WMU College of Arts and Sciences
Additional Resources
About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Your journey at Western Michigan University is a global one. Through transformative events, immersive classes and experience-driven learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. From fostering academic opportunities to showcasing cultural events and providing K-12 outreach, the Haenicke Institute promotes learning that transcends borders and takes you wherever you want to go.
WMU Asian Initiatives
WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
Haenicke Institute for Global Education News
Nearly 180 students recognized for global engagement on WMU’s campus
A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center this month to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students both at home and abroad.
From China to the Midwest, WMU trustee finds a home in Kalamazoo
In the summer of 1989, Lynn Chen-Zhang left China two months earlier than planned due to rising political tensions. She was 22 years old. Today, Chen-Zhang calls Kalamazoo her home. She and her husband, Charles, have donated millions to Western Michigan University and organizations throughout southwestern Michigan.
WMU marks its place in international education
Western Michigan University’s robust internationalization efforts will be on display throughout the United States in 2025, with students and staff presenting at major international education conferences.
Faculty-led India trip is interdisciplinary, international by design
The two-week trip, run by WMU Study Abroad in collaboration with the Haworth College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Health and Human Services, fuses social entrepreneurship, justice and sustainable development.
Light Center for Chinese Studies launches Spring Guest Lecture Series
Western Michigan University’s Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies will begin its 2025 Spring Guest Lecture Series this month. All events are free and open to the public.
Click below to read more news of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and Western Michigan University.