International and cultural affairs is currently hosting a group of seven students and one administrator from Mazoon University College of Oman. Students are participating in classes and cultural activities designed to improve their communication skills and to experience the American lifestyle, and would be happy to meet with any faculty or students to share their experiences. To meet with the Mazoon group, contact Emily Gaither at 341-6328. The students are only at Missouri S&T until Friday, July 29.

This is the 17th year that a group has visited as part of a cooperative relationship. The goal is to develop an annual cultural exchange program between Missouri S&T students and Mazoon students.

In 1998, officials in Oman recognized a growing need for higher education, with an emphasis on the female population. The program was officially launched in April 1999.The founders of the program were Dr. Robert L. Davis, dean emeritus, and Dr. Jeanie Hofer, assistant vice chancellor for international and cultural affairs.

“The work we’re doing in the Middle East is very healthy for worldwide relations,” says Davis. “It promotes understanding of each other’s cultures. We’re definitely developing a very positive image for S&T in that part of the world.”

Dr. Juma S. Al Ghailani currently serves as the managing director of the program for the Mazoon University College. Dr. Greg Gelles, chair and professor of economics at S&T, serves as the academic lead for the partnership with Mazoon University College.