NSU Faculty Share Impact of Teaching Abroad Through the China Cohort

This past spring, College of Business and Technology faculty members Rick Wallace and Megan Weinkauf traveled to China to teach courses as part of Northeastern State University’s ongoing partnership with Guangzhou College of Technology and Business (GCTB). They were joined by fellow CBT faculty Sydney Nichols Rice, Doris Feltham, and Tyler Utt, who also participated in the international teaching experience. The China Cohort program is a collaborative effort between NSU and GCTB that gives students in China access to a U.S.-accredited degree while providing NSU faculty with cross-cultural teaching opportunities.

Dr. Tena Wooldridge, Associate Dean of the College of Business and Technology, shared that the partnership began as a way to expand NSU’s global footprint and create meaningful teaching opportunities for faculty abroad. “At the heart of it, the goal was to build a sustainable academic partnership that benefits both institutions,” she said. “It reflects where higher education is headed, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Courses taught through the program support students enrolled in NSU’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and other technology-related programs. While course offerings vary each term, faculty teach subjects such as Introduction to Information Systems, Data Visualization, and Business Analytics, maintaining the same academic rigor as on-campus classes.

For Megan Weinkauf, teaching Technology & Society and Project Management at GCTB was both professionally enriching and personally meaningful. “One of the most rewarding highlights was connecting with students who brought fresh, creative ideas to class projects,” she said. “It was an immersive experience that blended education with cultural exchange—from classroom discussions to exploring local cuisine and historical sites.”

Weinkauf found the classroom culture more formal than at NSU but was able to foster connection and engagement through visuals, interactive lessons, and real-world examples. She emphasized the importance of global experiences for NSU students and faculty alike. “Cross-cultural collaboration breaks down barriers and fosters mutual understanding. These experiences can profoundly enrich the educational journey and help develop globally minded leaders.”

Rick Wallace also described his time teaching Leadership and Supervision and Negotiation and Labor Issues at GCTB as deeply rewarding. He noted the high level of respect and diligence shown by the students and the cultural exchange that emerged through comparisons of Eastern and Western leadership styles. “It was a powerful reminder that while languages and customs may differ, the pursuit of knowledge is truly global,” he said.

Wallace acknowledged that adapting to different academic norms presented some challenges, especially regarding classroom interaction and language barriers. However, he was able to introduce a more discussion-based format that students embraced. “Navigating the differences in communication and expectations strengthened my flexibility and teaching range,” he said.

Dr. Wooldridge shared that the China Cohort has evolved from individual teaching assignments into a more coordinated program that includes block scheduling, collaborative planning, and aligned curriculum. Looking ahead, NSU is exploring additional opportunities, including faculty exchange programs, expanded research collaboration, and international student pathways to Oklahoma.

“What’s most important to know is that this is more than a program—it is a connection,” said Wooldridge. “Our faculty return with renewed energy and insight, and our students benefit from a globally informed curriculum. It’s exciting to watch this partnership grow.”

As NSU continues to build relationships across borders, the China Cohort stands as an example of how education can foster global understanding, develop cultural competency, and prepare students—and faculty—for a more connected world.