Fayetteville State University's (FSU) Ronald Williams, a junior biology major with a minor in Chinese, has been selected by the U.S. Department of State and the Chinese Ministry of Education to participate in a program to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Williams is one of only 30 American students and the only one from North Carolina selected to participate in the program. He was recommended for participation by Yikang Bai, FSU's Chinese Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant. A native of Hope Mills, NC, Williams will be in China from July 14 to August 5. While there, he will visit universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, China. A live TV show will be aired to 1.38 billion Chinese in Mainland China, and millions from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. His visit will be fully sponsored by the Chinese Government.
Williams said he was surprised when he was informed of his selection. "I was overjoyed. It seemed so surreal, the opportunity to actually participate in such a prestigious program."
This will be Williams' first trip to China. He said he hopes to become more aware of the Chinese culture and people during his visit. "This trip will also allow me to meet people with whom I share a common goal. I can't express in words what this trip represents to me. I'll be sure to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way."
FSU is the second-oldest public institution in North Carolina. A member of the University of North Carolina System, FSU has more than 6,300 students and offers degrees in 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Dr. James A. Anderson is the university's 11th chief executive officer. For more information, please call (910) 672-1474.
