What happens when universities, cities, policymakers, and community leaders come together with a shared commitment to education and global engagement?
At the University of Utah Asia Campus, the answer is simple: new opportunities for students, stronger international connections, and partnerships that extend far beyond the classroom.
On May 28, 2026, university leaders and distinguished guests from South Korea and the United States gathered in Incheon for a Partnership Appreciation and Collaboration Event, celebrating the organizations and individuals who have helped expand the university’s global network and create meaningful experiences for students.
The event brought together University of Utah leaders, including Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Mitzi M. Montoya and University of Utah Asia Campus Chief Administrative Officer and Dean of Faculty Greg Hill, along with U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy, Cottonwood Heights City Council Member Matt Holton, and representatives from Jinju City and the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation.
More than a celebration, the event highlighted how international partnerships are creating real-world learning opportunities for students.
One example is the University of Utah Asia Campus’ collaboration with Jinju City and the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation. Since signing an agreement in 2024, students have participated in the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship International Forum, where they engage with entrepreneurs, policymakers, and thought leaders while exploring innovation and leadership through a global lens.
The university has also partnered with Cedar City, Cottonwood Heights, and the youth exchange organization Pumassi to develop international education and leadership programs inspired by the legacy of the Korean War. These initiatives bring together students from Korea and the United States, encouraging cross-cultural understanding while building leadership skills and lifelong connections.
“Partnerships like these create transformative opportunities for our students,” said Mitzi M. Montoya, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The University of Utah Asia Campus serves as a bridge in education connecting Korea and the United States. Moving forward, we will continue to expand meaningful opportunities that strengthen students’ global engagement and leadership capabilities in collaboration with our international partners.”
During the event, the university recognized several individuals and organizations for their contributions to international collaboration and community engagement. Appreciation plaques were presented to Joon Oh, chair of the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship International Forum Organizing Committee and former president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Kyoo-il Jo, mayor of Jinju City; Jong-wook Kim, president of the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation; and U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to Matt Holton and representatives from Jinju City.
The celebration served as a fitting prelude to the 2026 University of Utah Asia Campus Commencement Ceremony, which followed later that day. The ceremony marked several milestones, including the graduation of the campus’s first Master of Communication students and its first Honors Program graduates.
As the University of Utah Asia Campus continues to grow, so does its network of partners—demonstrating that global education is built not only through classrooms and curricula, but through the relationships that connect people, communities, and ideas across borders.
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