Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Dancers at Spring Gala dress in traditional Asian costume and come on stage in a line. The hold their hands in front of their body.

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. 
Study Chinese at WMU Donate to the Light Center

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.

An audience listens to a guest speaker in a WMU classroom at an Asian Initiatives event.

Guest Lecture Series

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

A man speaks to an audience during a lecture at WMU. He holds his hand up in the air to emphasize his point.

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

Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies and Faculty Support

Dr. Ann Veeck poses abroad in China during a trip funding in part by the Timothy Light Center. She stands with a Chinese family.

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 Research Grant
A WMU professor working with students in a computer lab.

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 Mini Grant

The Center History and Advisory Board

A headshot of Dr. Timothy Light, founder of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies
Dr. Timothy Light, professor emeritus of comparative religion and former WMU provost, provided funding for the Center and its activities through a generous endowment.

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. Light was a scholar whose dedication to the study and promotion of  Chinese language, culture and history has shaped the field for decades. His contributions as a teacher, researcher, administrator and mentor have had a profound impact on the academic community at Western Michigan University and beyond. His work continues to inspire generations of students, scholars and professionals committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Dr. Light's vision of promoting deeper engagement with Chinese studies is at the heart of the Center’s mission. His legacy lives on through the continued academic programs, research initiatives and community partnerships he helped establish. As we carry forward his work, we remain deeply grateful for his lasting influence and commitment to the field. The Timothy Light Center remains dedicated to advancing the study of Chinese culture, language and society, and we honor Dr. Light's memory in all that we do.
Dr. Jacqueline Eng, Associate Professor, Department of Biological SciencesWMU College of Arts and Sciences,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
Dr. Jianping Shen, 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

Dr. Ann Veeck, Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Ann Veeck

Professor, Department of Marketing
WMU Haworth College of Business

Professor Patrick Wilson, 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

Dr. Victor Xiong, Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Victor Xiong

Professor, Department of History
WMU College of Arts and Sciences

Additional Resources

The Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group poses for a photo at the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts.

Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures

The Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC) group promotes and provides programming to showcase the fascinating art, culture and intellectual achievements of the complex and diverse world region of Asia. Members host and attend art and cultural exhibitions; activities; workshops; lectures; tours; and community discussions.

The World Languages and Literatures faculty at WMU poses for a group photo.

Study Chinese at WMU

The Department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University offers two minors in Chinese. We encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Xiaojun Wang or Dr. Li Xiang with questions. 

The Great Wall of China and hilly landscape that surrounds it.

Study Abroad in China

WMU offers several opportunities to study abroad in China and deepen your understanding of Chinese language and culture.

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. We assist more than 2,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  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.  

A student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

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

A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

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.

Students talking to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 

Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

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

Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

Faculty Enrichment

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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