Asian Initiatives

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Light Center for Chinese Studies

Enhancing 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. 
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The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies encourages and actively seeks WMU, regional and global partnerships to increase opportunities for China studies collaboration involving research, curriculum development, art exhibits and cultural performances. Community outreach activities are designed to advance the public’s knowledge of China. Events like film screenings and guest lectures are hosted annually.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-3951

Light Center Lecture

Guest Lecture Series

The Light Center brings scholars from around the world to speak on Chinese history, culture, art and contemporary society.
A guest speaker at WMU

Light Center Brown Bag Talks

Light Center Research Grant recipients present on their projects at our ongoing Light Center Brown Bag Talk series.

Get Involved

The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies presents information about Chinese culture, society, everyday life and language in local community settings. The Center offers presentations on WMU’s campuses as well as in K-12 schools, libraries, community centers and other locations throughout southwest Michigan. For more information, contact staff directly.
Contact the Timothy Light Center
Contact Global Education Staff

Faculty Support

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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.

Apply for a TLC Research Grant
A professor at WMU

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.

Apply for a TLC Mini Grant

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. 

Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Jacqueline Eng

Associate Professor, Department of Biological SciencesWMU College of Arts and Sciences
Learn More About Dr. Eng
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Timothy Light

Professor Emeritus, Department of Comparative Religion
WMU College of Arts and Sciences

Learn More About Dr. Light
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Jianping Shen

Professor of Educational Leadership, and Evaluation, Measurement and Research
WMU College of Education and Human Development

Learn More About Dr. Shen
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Ann Veeck

Professor, Department of Marketing
WMU Haworth College of Business

Learn More About Dr. Veeck
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Patrick D. Wilson

Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Sculpture, Frostic School of Art
WMU College of Fine Arts

Learn More About Professor Wilson
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Victor Xiong

Professor, Department of History
WMU College of Arts and Sciences

Learn More About Dr. Xiong

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.
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International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
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WMU Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.
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Faculty Engagement

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.
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English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers intensive English language study.
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Global Learning

The Haenicke Institute facilitates a variety of large and small-scale events, experiences and courses to enrich the campus community and support WMU's internationalization efforts.
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WMU Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

More About Global Education at WMU
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