The NIU College of Business has expanded its reach to include the Far East of Asia. After the Chief Consul of the Chinese Consulate General Office named the NIU College of Business as China's Preferred Educational Partner, arrangements were made 
in September 2007 to provide graduate training in management and leadership for high-ranking Chinese officials (pictured with the Deans and faculty at the business college). The thirteen high-ranking Chinese officials -- many of whom include mayors, deans, and vice chairmen of various Chinese governmental agencies -- arrived at NIU in December 2007 and stayed through the spring 2008 semester. Over the course of their five-month stay, they participated in a number of M.B.A.-level classes taught by NIU business faculty. The class topics covered the business fundamentals as well as thought-leadership in areas of Entrepreneurship and Leadership, among others. Included in the educational experience were roundtable discussions with local and federal-level officials to discuss international trade and China's interests in the aerospace industry, machine tools, and environmental technologies. Additionally, the business faculty brought the Chinese into the board rooms and plant operations of Illinois-based multinational firms, made possible through the college's extensive relationship with the Chicago and Rockford business communities. The Chinese met with executives in global firms such as Caterpillar, McDonald's, and UPS, among others. More >>