O F F I C E O F I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F F A I R S
2025–26 ANNUAL
IMPACT REPORT
Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 1
2 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
Table of Contents Page 4 Welcome Page 5 Strategic Goals 2021–2026 Page 6 Education Abroad Page 8 Our Students Take the Path Less Traveled Page 9 Student and Alumni Spotlight Page 10 On-Campus and Community Outreach Page 12 International Enrollment and Economic Impact Page 13 Building Global Connections Through Music Page 14 International Research Page 15 Innovations in IA
Conceptualized and edited by Matthew Wells Contributions by Paige Brake, Cindy Habara, Mei Han, Robert Summers, Jon Swafford, Matthew Wells, and Guanping Zheng Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 3
Welcome to the Middle Tennessee State University Office of International Affairs Annual Impact Report. This is our sixth annual publication and, as such, highlights selected accomplishments and statistics from the 2025–26 academic year. In the current higher education environment, the Office of International Affairs at MTSU has continued to persevere and dedicate its time and talent to International Education. In the pages that follow, you will see a visual representation of the international footprint Robert Summers of the campus. In the final year of our strategic plan, you will see how International Affairs Vice Provost for has committed itself to a deeper, broader, and more equitable academic and student life International Affairs experience. You will see the high-impact practices that improve completion, retention, and transfer rates. You will see the work of the Office of International Affairs, which is a critical component of student success. The report reaffirms the significant international work that MTSU was able to accomplish.
I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TEAM. We continued to support and guide students. We have welcomed guests and hosted events for people all over the world. We have showcased our beautiful campus and remarkable academics to the world. I am lucky to work with such dedicated and talented individuals. In closing, we are pleased with what we have accomplished in the past academic year. On behalf of my colleagues in International Affairs, I hope that you will enjoy our annual report and the picture that it paints. We sincerely thank every member of our community (in Murfreesboro, in Tennessee, in the U.S., and throughout the world) for the work described in these pages. Thank you for taking the time to read our annual publication.
We are True Blue! Robert Summers
Vice Provost for International Affairs 4 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
Strategic Goals 2021–2026 I. WE WILL EQUIP OUR STUDENTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL II. WE WILL BE A COMMUNITY LEADER IN INTERNATIONALIZATION
III. WE WILL PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS IV. WE WILL BE INNOVATIVE AND NIMBLE IN OUR INTERNATIONALIZATION EFFORTS In 2025–26, MTSU International Affairs continues to keep our strategic goals at the forefront of our minds in everything we do. We equip our students to succeed on an international level by providing international experiences and services to support various programs, including English as a Second Language Nights, hosting classes at the Center for Chinese Music and Culture, and more. In addition, the office offers webinars, class presentations, internships, and graduate assistantships to both domestic and international students. We also strive to be a community leader in internationalization both on and off campus by sponsoring and facilitating programming, such as International Welcome Week, ’Boro International Festival, and International Education Week, among others. All of these celebrate the diversity of MTSU’s community and support of international competency, acceptance, and empathy. Supporting the University at large, the office continues to encourage the development of faculty-led study abroad programs. These programs are the most highly sought after by students who are interested in studying abroad, and faculty who are interested in planning and developing these programs might be able to receive funding from our office for their development.
Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 5
Education Abroad The MTSU Office of International Affairs has significantly expanded its program offerings for students. In 2025–26, ongoing collaborations with exchange universities are enriching both semester-long and short-term study opportunities. Many of our renowned faculty-led programs during the summer now include visits to partner universities, facilitating direct interaction between MTSU students, local students, and faculty.
# of Students in 2025-26 Programs
From Fall 2025 to Summer 2026, a total of 270 students participated in overseas studies, representing MTSU’s seven undergraduate colleges. The College of Liberal Arts led with 81 students. Looking ahead, the Office of Education Abroad aims to boost participation across all colleges. Notably, we see increases from 2024–25 to 2025–26 with Basic and Applied Sciences (1.8%) and Liberal Arts (19.1%). We also had two students who participated in the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST) within the College of Education.
FACULTY-LED The majority of MTSU students who study abroad participate in our highly sought-after signature faculty-led programs. In the 2025–26 academic year, 21 MTSU faculty-led programs took 200 students to 21 countries. These programs spanned the globe, offering diverse experiences in countries such as Argentina, Austria, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta, Scotland, Senegal, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Turkey, and the United States (Boston, New York, Washington, D.C.).
# of Students in Faculty-Led Spring Break and Summer 2026 Programs
OUTGOING EXCHANGE AND DIRECT PROGRAMS MTSU provides both short-term and long-term study abroad opportunities for students. Long-term exchange programs allow students to earn a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, either through our exchange partners or by enrolling directly in a provider program. During Fall 2025, 33 students studied abroad in England, France, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Scotland, and South Korea. In Spring 2026, 35 students pursued studies in Costa Rica, England, Estonia, France, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea, and Uruguay. We had an increase of 37% from 2024–25 to 2025–26 regarding full semester program participation. Our most popular semester location was Japan. MTSU also offers direct-enroll options for short-term programs. In winter, four students participated in study abroad programs in Costa Rica, Cuba, and South Korea. During the summer, 18 students (100% increase from 2024–25) studied directly in China, Cuba, England, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Korea, and Spain.
INCOMING EXCHANGE The Office of Education Abroad at MTSU facilitates the enrollment of exchange students who study at the University for either a semester or academic year. 6 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
Past 5 Years: # of Study Abroad Students
These non-degree-seeking students earn credits at MTSU that transfer back to their home institutions. During Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, MTSU welcomed 20 exchange students from England, Germany, Japan, Scotland, and Taiwan.
STUDY ABROAD FAIR The annual Study Abroad Fair, held on November 18, was a highlight of International Week 2025. Hosted in the Liz and Creighton Rhea Atrium of the Science Building, the event provided an engaging and successful venue for students to explore international education opportunities. Featuring more than 30 tables staffed by faculty leaders and study abroad provider partners, the fair offered students the opportunity to learn about study abroad programs, ask questions, and gather valuable information about international experiences. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of travel-themed giveaways, including stickers, pens, luggage tags, buttons, and other promotional items. A major attraction of the event was the opportunity to win significant study abroad funding. Giveaway prizes included five Education Abroad scholarships totaling $1,250 and one flight scholarship valued at $2,000. The fair generated strong student interest and enthusiasm for studying abroad, contributing to its overall success.
Incoming Exchange Students Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
SCHOLARSHIPS Office of Education Abroad Scholarships totaling over $277,000 were awarded to MTSU students in 2025–2026! Also, eight MTSU students were awarded the esteemed Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Fall 2025–Fall 2026.
SOARING TRUE BLUE SCHOLARSHIP The Soaring True Blue Scholarship, established through the generosity of donor Terry Byrd, provides vital financial support to Middle Tennessee State University students participating in study abroad programs. Managed by the MTSU Office of Education Abroad, the scholarship awards up to $2,000 per student to cover airfare to approved program destinations. Upon returning, awardees complete a project consisting of a 2- to 4-minute video reflecting on their journey, which is featured across social media, classroom visits, and the Education Abroad website. Byrd contributed $20,000 in 2025 and an additional $10,000 in 2026. These contributions highlight and promote the importance of the internationalization of the wider campus community. These generous donations directly lower the financial barrier of international travel for MTSU students, turning study abroad ambitions into reality. Through this funding, awardees have pursued diverse academic opportunities across the globe. By supporting real-world, global learning experiences ranging from travel journalism in Ireland to business and technology in Japan, the scholarship enriches student academic growth and builds cross-cultural competencies that last a lifetime. For MTSU as a whole, the funding elevates the University’s global profile, boosts participation in University-sponsored programs, and creates a lasting cycle of engagement. As returning awardees share their journey videos across campus, they inspire future applicants and foster a vibrant, globally minded campus culture at MTSU.
Scholarships Awarded by Education Abroad Fall 2025 – Summer 2026
Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 7
Our Students Take the Path Less Traveled MTSU students continued to expand the University’s global reach through participation in study abroad and international internship opportunities in destinations that are often underrepresented in traditional education abroad programming. These experiences provided students with access to distinctive cultural, political, and professional environments that broadened their global perspectives and enhanced their academic and career development. During Spring 2026 and Summer 2026, two graduate students—Esprit Westbrook, from the College of Liberal Arts’ International Affairs program, and Zachary Thomas, from the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment’s Recording Industry program—completed global internships in Tallinn, Estonia, through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). As one of Northern Europe’s emerging innovation and technology hubs, Tallinn offered students the opportunity to gain international professional experience while engaging with a dynamic society at the crossroads of European, Nordic, and post-Soviet influences. MTSU also expanded student participation in Havana through programs offered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). Two undergraduate students, Joanna Diaz and Braden Ray, studied in Cuba during Winter 2026 and Summer 2026, immersing themselves in a cultural and historical context that remains largely inaccessible through more conventional study abroad destinations. Through coursework and firsthand engagement with Cuban society, students developed a deeper understanding of the region’s history, politics, culture, and international relationships. Additionally, Christopher “Ethan” Harris demonstrated an exceptional commitment to global learning by studying in both Cuba and Uruguay during Summer 2025 before returning to Uruguay to complete a semester-long USAC program. Uruguay offers students a unique perspective on Latin America through its strong democratic institutions, progressive social policies, and growing role in regional affairs. The student’s extended engagement allowed for deeper cultural immersion, advanced language development, and a more nuanced understanding of the social, political, and economic dynamics shaping the region. Participation in destinations such as Estonia, Cuba, and Uruguay reflects MTSU’s commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities beyond traditional study abroad locations. These underutilized destinations expose students to diverse perspectives, foster adaptability and intercultural competence, and prepare graduates to engage effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. By encouraging participation in less commonly selected locations, MTSU continues to advance its mission of developing globally informed citizens and professionals equipped to navigate complex international environments. 8 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
Student and Alumni Spotlight FISON BOGALE MTSU’s School of Nursing gave me the knowledge, confidence, and clinical foundation to succeed in one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. The rigorous Nursing program challenged me to become a critical thinker, sharpen my clinical judgment, and deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. Because of the exceptional education I received at MTSU, I secured a position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the United States, even before graduating. MTSU prepared me not only to pass exams, but to excel in real-world nursing. Nursing has taught me that critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork save lives. Working in high-pressure clinical environments has strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, make sound clinical decisions, and provide safe, patientcentered care. Every patient presents a unique challenge, and I have learned that continuous learning and resilience are essential to becoming an exceptional nurse. I currently work at Children’s of Alabama, one of the nation’s premier pediatric hospitals, where I continue to grow both personally and professionally. My long-term goal is to become a family nurse practitioner so I can expand my impact by providing comprehensive, high-quality care to patients across the lifespan. I am committed to lifelong learning and to making a meaningful difference in the communities I serve.
LAYLA BUGELA MTSU fully prepared me for my experience as a self-employed musician in many ways. I was able to apply knowledge from many different classes, panels from industry professionals, and conversations with professors. Not only did MTSU provide textbook explanations of how to go about working in the music industry, our professors are industry professionals who encouraged us, connected us, and taught us how to interact professionally with our counterparts. One thing that every Recording Industry class I took had in common was the emphasis on the importance of networking. Due to this, just like most of my peers, I began networking while I was still in school, which helped open doors with work opportunities once I began my OPT. I chose to be self-employed because I wanted to apply knowledge and get experience from multiple classes ranging from artist management, concert promotion, songwriting guitar, commercial musicianship and more. Being self-employed allowed me to get firsthand experience in each of these sectors of the music industry. The flexibility that making my own schedule gave allowed me to keep learning about the history of the recording industry specifically in Nashville, which is a huge passion of mine, and I loved getting to still learn post grad.
CLARENCE DEMAREE Clarence Demaree, an undergraduate English major and Army National Guard veteran, exemplifies the transformative impact of education abroad opportunities at MTSU. After participating in a faculty-led program in Japan during Summer 2026, Demaree chose to further his international experience by returning to Japan for the Fall 2026 semester at MTSU’s partner institution, Kansai Gaidai University. Demaree’s academic achievements and commitment to global learning were recognized through multiple competitive scholarship awards. In addition to receiving an MTSU Education Abroad Scholarship, he was selected for the highly competitive Freeman-ASIA Scholarship and the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. These awards reflect both his academic excellence and the significant potential of his international experiences to contribute to his personal, professional, and intercultural development. Demaree’s success highlights the opportunities available to MTSU students to pursue meaningful global engagement and demonstrates the University’s commitment to supporting student achievement through international education. Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 9
On-Campus and Community Outreach During the 2025–2026 academic year, Middle Tennessee State University’s Office of International Affairs (IA) continued its strong commitment to on‑campus and community outreach by cultivating programming that engaged both international and domestic audiences across campus and the surrounding area.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK International Education Week is held every year in November, with IA hosting a number of events for all students on campus. This includes Education Abroad events like the Study Abroad Fair and the Study Abroad Recognition Event, as well as an International Open House where students on campus can experience games, food, and activities from different cultures represented on campus.
SHABBAT
INTERNATIONAL WELCOME WEEK Each semester, the Office of International Affairs hosts a week of events to welcome new international students to MTSU. Activities during the week include a tour of the library and the services available there. Students are also taken on a tour of the University by a fellow international student to help them become accustomed to the campus. Workshops covering the importance of good study skills and culture shock are also scheduled during the week. The highlight of the week is the Welcome Event, where new students can learn about the support services available both on campus and in the community.
In November 2025, IA hosted a Shabbat Dinner and Challah Bread Baking Event where students and faculty could come learn how to make challah bread and celebrate the Jewish tradition. Challah bread is the traditional Jewish braided bread that individuals top with various ingredients like raisins, chocolate chips, or sesame seeds. Events such as these spread cultural awareness and promote the internationalization of MTSU and the Murfreesboro community.
’BORO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL In the fall, ’Boro International Festival is hosted here at MTSU. This event brings together all the different communities, cultures, and people of Murfreesboro into a day of performances, food, and cultural exchange. It is always a highlight of the year to experience so many cultures in one place.
YŌKAI ART EXHIBITION The Japanese Yōkai Art Exhibition was held on the MTSU campus in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts. Invited guests included Deputy Consul General Matsutaro Yamasaki of the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville and Hiroyuki Kojima, director general of the Japan Foundation, New York. Provost Mark Byrnes and Vice Provost Robert Summers welcomed the distinguished guests as they toured the exhibition and learned about the artwork on display. The exhibition celebrated Japanese folklore while strengthening MTSU’s partnership with Japanese educational and community organizations. 10 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY On April 30, 2026, the Office of International Affairs continued the tradition of hosting the International Achievement Ceremony to recognize international students graduating at the end of the spring and summer sessions. Each graduating student was presented with a certificate and a sash representing their home country, which they can wear during the MTSU Commencement ceremony at the Murphy Center. The ceremony brought together students, their families and friends, faculty, staff, and members of the MTSU community to celebrate the academic accomplishments and perseverance of the University’s international graduates. The event recognized the achievements of the graduating students and celebrated the cultural diversity and global perspectives they contributed to the MTSU community.
HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLORS The Indian Association of MTSU has been sponsoring the annual Holi Festival for several years. The Holi Festival, often called the “festival of colors,” is one of the most recognized traditional Hindu festivals in the U.S. Students gather on the Commons outside the Student Union, often wearing white T-shirts, and celebrate by throwing colored powders in the air, resulting in laughter and colorful faces and clothes. The Holi festival is held during the spring semester, usually in March.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore IA’s mission to embed international perspectives across academic and extracurricular life, support a diverse student body, and enhance cultural inclusion, international competency, and meaningful global engagement across campus and the broader Middle Tennessee community.
RAMADAN IFTAR DINNER The Muslim Student Association in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs and the Murfreesboro Muslim Youth hosted a Ramadan Dinner for students, faculty, and the community on February 27, 2026. The Eid al-Fitr Dinner marked the end of the fast for the day. The meal was preceded by a welcome from the president of the Muslim Student Association, as well as traditional music, Arabic coffee, and dates. Guests included MTSU students and friends and families from the community.
Wisam Modal
TECHVISION On April 10, 2026, TechVision, an event supported by the Office of International Affairs, brought the future of artificial intelligence (AI) to the MTSU campus. The event provided students with an opportunity to showcase research projects demonstrating innovative applications of AI. Two international students, Wisam Modal and Dimitri Nanmejo Sinou, were selected to present during the poster session. They shared their research with attendees, highlighting the valuable contributions international students make to research, innovation, and academic excellence at MTSU.
Dimitri Nanmejo Sinou
Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 11
International Enrollment and Economic Impact Enrollment fell by 1% during the Fall 2025 semester for both fully enrolled as well as new enrollment. This is despite increasing challenges in the field. International students continue to make a significant contribution to the United States economy through their enrollment at colleges and universities across the nation. During the 2024–2025 academic year, international students contributed $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 355,736 jobs. Statistics show that one U.S. job is created and supported for every three international students enrolled at a higher education institution. Their spending on tuition, housing, dining, transportation, retail, telecommunications, and health insurance generates economic activity in communities across the country.
Countries Represented
In Tennessee, 11,261 international students enrolled at institutions of higher education contributed $384.8 million to the state’s economy and supported 3,344 jobs. Within Congressional District 4, MTSU’s home district, 783 international students enrolled at the district’s four largest universities contributed $25.9 million to the local economy and supported 229 jobs. At Middle Tennessee State University, international students contributed $20.9 million to the local economy and supported 208 jobs. These figures demonstrate that international students provide substantial economic benefits to the University, the surrounding community, the state of Tennessee, and the nation while pursuing their educations.
Past 5 Years – Enrolled Students 2021
533
2022
562
2023
634
2024
663
2025
656
12 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
Building Global Connections Through Music ONO ACADEMIC COLLEGE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING On June 3, 2026, Middle Tennessee State University and Ono Academic College in Israel signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This MOU establishes a fiveyear framework (2026–2030) for academic, cultural, and creative collaboration between the two institutions. The agreement outlines opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, direct enrollment of Ono students in MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting concentration, joint research and educational programs, collaborative songwriting, music video and film projects, and the sharing of academic resources and expertise.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE CENTER FOR CHINESE MUSIC AND CULTURE The 2025–2026 academic year marked a significant milestone for the Center for Chinese Music and Culture (CCMC) as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since its founding in 2016, the CCMC has served as a unique educational and cultural resource at Middle Tennessee State University, dedicated to promoting academic exchange and cultural understanding through performance, education, and community engagement. The highlight of the year was the CCMC’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, held in March 2026 at Hinton Music Hall. The anniversary concert drew a full house and featured performances by the MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, alumni, nine distinguished guest musicians from across the United States, and a community ensemble. The event celebrated a decade of artistic achievement, educational impact, and cultural exchange while showcasing the vibrant network of students, alumni, scholars, and community members connected to the center.
Each institution will appoint coordinators to oversee implementation and foster ongoing collaboration. Beverly Keel, dean of MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, and Ori Zakh, director of Song Production and Composition and the ensemble coordinator at Ono Academic College, were selected as the academic coordinators for the partnership. The MOU does not create any financial obligations or legally binding program commitments; instead, it serves as a foundation for future agreements that will define specific activities, responsibilities, and terms.
This MOU has the potential to create meaningful educational opportunities by expanding students’ access to global perspectives, collaborative learning, and new academic experiences. For MTSU students, particularly those studying Commercial Songwriting, Recording Industry, and related disciplines, the partnership provides opportunities to explore Israeli perspectives on creativity, technology, and artistic expression, while Ono students can engage with MTSU’s strong traditions in contemporary music, performance, and music industry studies. Through this partnership, students can gain exposure to diverse musical traditions, performance practices, and approaches to music education while engaging with peers and faculty from another cultural and academic environment.
Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 13
International Research During the past 18 months, faculty at Middle Tennessee State University published 621 peer-reviewed papers indexed in Scopus, with 149 of those (24%) co-authored alongside international collaborators. This strong rate of global engagement reflects the University’s growing role in cross-border scholarship and its commitment to building a research community that extends beyond the United States. Between January 2025 and June 2026, MTSU researchers published works with colleagues in 60 different countries, forming a broad and diverse network of partnerships. MTSU researchers worked with colleagues in 58 countries, forming a broad and diverse network of partnerships. The most frequent international collaborations came from: • China (35 publications) • Canada (16 publications) • Germany (14 publications) • United Kingdom (13 publications) • Saudi Arabia (11 publications) The topics explored in these collaborative works covered a wide spectrum of disciplines: • Engineering, Applied Mathematics, and Computational Modeling • Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Intelligent Systems • Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Sustainable Technologies • Health, Biomedical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences • Business, Marketing, and Behavioral Sciences These global partnerships are more than publication counts—they represent growing opportunities for MTSU faculty and students alike. Through international collaboration, researchers can: • Expand access to new datasets and research contexts • Strengthen funding proposals through multi-institution partnerships • Build lasting institutional ties through memoranda of understanding (MOUs) • Create hands-on research opportunities with a global scope for students
14 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs
In many cases, these partnerships also align with major global challenges, including those addressed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. International research is now a central part of the scholarly work happening at MTSU. With collaborators in nearly 60 countries and research spanning high-impact fields, the University is deepening its global footprint. The Office of International Affairs is proud to support these efforts and remains committed to helping faculty grow and sustain meaningful research connections around the world.
International Research Themes (n=151)
Innovations in IA SLATE AND NAVIGATE360 The Office of International Affairs strives to be on the forefront of innovation. To this end, IA has held an important role in the implementation of Slate, an admissions and enrollment management platform that MTSU has been using since 2024. Since the implementation, IA has been a leader in all things Slate. IA has sent employees to the annual Slate Summit for the past three years to gather information and best practices for the platform. In 2025, three employees from the Office of International Affairs— Felisia Griner, Jon Swafford, and Matthew Wells— completed the Slate Certified Fundamentals course. Slate Certified offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your ongoing pursuit of Slate knowledge and abilities. By earning a Slate Certified credential, you’re not only validating your skills but also enhancing your professional standing within the higher education community. The Office of International Affairs is proud to have so many employees who devote themselves to professional development and promote the growth of the wider campus community. Another platform IA has adopted is Navigate360. Navigate360 assists in identifying, communicating with, and supporting students. Its primary function is appointment scheduling and caseload management, but the platform also assists in tracking intervention strategies through analytics and reporting. IA’s adoption of Navigate360 allows students to quickly and easily make appointments with our staff as well as allows our staff to effortlessly keep track of students they’ve talked to and upcoming appointments, and provide quick and easy help to students.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, CULTURAL REPRESENTATION, AND THE FUTURE OF ART EDUCATION The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming virtually every aspect of modern society. From healthcare and business to creative industries and higher education, AI is redefining how knowledge is created, communicated, and consumed. Within the fields of art and culture, AI has introduced new possibilities for creative expression while simultaneously raising important questions regarding cultural authenticity, representation, ethics, and bias. Guanping Zheng, director of the Center for Asian Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, has been actively examining the intersection of artificial intelligence, art, culture, and education. Over the past several years, he has presented his research at numerous international symposiums and academic conferences in Vietnam, China, and South Korea, contributing to the global dialogue on the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for artists, educators, and cultural institutions. At the Future of Art & Digital Intelligence International Forum, Zheng presented a lecture titled “Imagery and Cultural Representations in AI Models.” His presentation explored three major themes concerning the relationship between AI-generated imagery and cultural representation. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into artistic practice and visual communication, the role of artists extends beyond creative production. They also become contributors to the ethical development of AI itself. Through responsible participation in dataset creation, advocacy for inclusive design, and collaboration with technologists, artists can help ensure that AI serves as a tool for cultural preservation, diversity, and innovation rather than one that reproduces historical inequities. The future of AI in the arts depends not only on technological advancement but also on the collective responsibility of artists, educators, researchers, and cultural institutions to shape systems that accurately reflect the richness and diversity of human culture. Office of International Affairs | Annual Impact Report | 15
Scan the QR code to find links to all our social media!
0726-0451 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs, and activities sponsored by MTSU. The Assistant to the President for Civil Rights Compliance has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and can be reached at Cope Administration Building 116, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; Christy.Sigler@mtsu.edu; or 615-898-2185. Also see crc.mtsu.edu.
16 | Annual Impact Report | Office of International Affairs