Building Bridges

A Strategic Partnership Between Shandong Cultural Industry Vocational College and New York College of Health Professions

A Strategic Partnership Between the University of Health and Rehabilitation Science and New York College of Health Professions

Great progress in education rarely happens in isolation. It happens when institutions dare to reach across borders, build trust, and commit to shared purpose. That belief was on full display on the morning of April 17th, when a landmark partnership was formalized between Shandong Cultural Industry Vocational College and the New York College of Health Professions (NYCHP), and a Strategic Partnership Between the University of Health and Rehabilitation Science and New York College of Health Professions.

Li Jingping, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shandong Cultural Industry Vocational College, led the delegation to New York, accompanied by Zhang Shijun, Dean of the School of Medical and Health Sciences.

And Jiang Hong, Vice President, Professor of the University of Health and Rehabilitation Science, led the delegation to New York, accompanied by Professor Zhou Ping. 

They were warmly received by Dr. Ali Song, President of NYCHP, and Professor Steven Haffner, Chief Academic Officer.

At a Symposium held during the visit, Chairman Li Jingping shared Shandong's vision for internationalized education, its professional strengths in medical and health sciences, and its forward-looking approach to smart health and elderly care. The exchange of ideas was substantive and energizing — reflecting a genuine alignment of values between both institutions.

Vice President, Professor Jiang Hong, also expressed an interest in establishing a global vision to build a bridge to study abroad for their graduates in cooperation with the New York College of Health Professions.  In this way, an exchange program could be established for both students and faculty to enable training and educating students to become bilingual healthcare specialists who can return and provide high-quality service for local people as well as foreigners.  

The visit culminated in the signing of a formal Strategic Cooperation Agreement, executed by Chairman Li Jingping and Dr. Ali Song on behalf of their respective institutions. A second agreement was signed by Vice President Jiang Hong, further deepening the scope of collaboration.

I had the privilege of being present for this historic occasion, both as President of Leslin and as a Board Member of NYCHP. Witnessing this agreement come to life reinforced something I believe deeply: international relationships like this one are not ceremonial; they are foundational. They open doors for student exchange, create pathways for shared curriculum development, and cultivate the kind of cross-cultural competency that today's health professionals genuinely need.

The delegation also toured NYCHP's facilities, its library, multi-functional classrooms, and hands-on training centers, gaining a firsthand look at how the college prepares students for careers in health and wellness.

This partnership lays a meaningful foundation. The work ahead, in rehabilitation training, wellness education, and the global development of health professionals, will be stronger because these two institutions chose to build it together.