Seton Hall and Lyon Catholic Deepen Strategic Partnership

(Left to right): Erik Lillquist, Mary Kate Naatus, Héctor Lozada-Vega, Rector Gregory Woimbée, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, Jonathan Farina, Doug Cantelmo, Johanna Pan-Carr.

In a significant step toward deepening international ties, Seton Hall University has strengthened its partnership with Lyon Catholic University (UCLy) in France by establishing a direct student exchange agreement. This enhancement allows students from both institutions to spend a semester or an academic year studying abroad as exchange students.

During a recent visit to Seton Hall, UCLy's president, Rector Gregory Woimbée, and Seton Hall President Monsignor Joseph Reilly formalized this agreement, emphasizing their shared commitment to internationalization as a strategic priority. The agreement also lays the foundation for innovative initiatives, including a planned Global M.B.A. program designed to integrate international experiences into the academic journey of graduate students from both universities.

The Global M.B.A. will feature a curriculum blending academic rigor with practical international exposure, offering students opportunities to gain global business acumen across diverse regions. Monsignor Reilly highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, stating, "Strengthening our partnership with Lyon Catholic University not only enriches the educational experiences of our students but also aligns perfectly with our strategic focus on internationalization. Lyon's vibrancy, famed culinary scene and rich cultural heritage offer an inspiring environment that will deeply enhance our students' global learning."

Rector Woimbée echoed this sentiment, adding, "This enhanced agreement reflects our shared vision for cultivating a more interconnected academic community. We are excited to explore collaborative opportunities that will foster learning and research across borders. Seton Hall's welcoming campuses, located near the vibrant cultural and professional hub of New York City, offer UCLy students a unique opportunity to study, grow and gain invaluable global experiences."

The partnership will also facilitate French language immersion programs in Lyon, developed by Seton Hall's College of Arts and Sciences. These programs will fulfill language requirements while enhancing students' cultural understanding through immersive experiences. In addition, collaborative research initiatives in STEM fields aim to address pressing global challenges by leveraging the strengths of both universities.

Over the past five years, Seton Hall and UCLy have conducted virtual international project experiences, enabling students to collaborate across geographical boundaries. These projects have provided practical knowledge of global teamwork and enriched students' cultural awareness and adaptability.

As part of these efforts, the Stillman School of Business will feature Lyon in its Faculty-Led Program, "Vive le Sport en France," during Spring Break 2025. This initiative immerses students in French culture while promoting experiential learning. Additionally, a French language immersion program through the College of Arts and Sciences will offer deeper linguistic and cultural experiences.

With 24 faculty-led study abroad offerings available in Spring and Summer 2025-the most in Seton Hall's history-students have unprecedented access to global learning experiences. These programs align with the university's commitment to fostering international perspectives.

"By establishing these immersive programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike, our dedicated faculty and Study Abroad Office are truly enhancing our academic offerings and ensuring our students have opportunities to gain both language proficiency and cultural fluency," said Mary Kate Naatus, assistant provost and dean of continuing education and professional studies. "This partnership with Lyon Catholic University reinforces our commitment to academic excellence and to preparing students to excel in diverse environments, tackling complex global issues with informed and well-rounded perspectives."

Founded in 1875, UCLy shares a rich Catholic mission with Seton Hall and offers diverse academic disciplines, including business, law, economics, STEM fields and social sciences. Its three campuses in Lyon and Annecy provide a vibrant student life, fostering cultural exchange through extracurricular activities.

Faculty and students interested in study abroad, exchange opportunities or collaborative research with Lyon Catholic University and other international partners can visit Seton Hall's Office of International Programs or contact [email protected].

As Seton Hall and UCLy embark on this new chapter of their partnership, the potential for innovative academic programs and enriching student experiences is vast, promising a lasting impact on the next generation of global leaders.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Nation and World