Faculty I: Visit from Bluegrass Community and Technical College

On 5 May 2026, Nathan Smith, Associate Dean of Business Services at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Lexington, Kentucky, visited our Faculty to discuss opportunities for collaboration and the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The connection between the two institutions was initiated during a Fulbright-funded professional development visit by Dr. Luz Pacas (phil: International Affairs), who visited BCTC and explored potential avenues for cooperation.

The visit began with a meeting involving the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Daniel Stein, Dr. Marcel Hartwig from the Department of English, and Dr. Luz Pacas (phil: International Affairs). During the meeting, the University of Siegen and its campus were presented, and initial steps towards building a long-term partnership were discussed and agreed upon.

The programme continued with a visit to the International Office of the University of Siegen and a meeting with Dr. Nina Fenn, Head of the Welcome Center. Discussions focused on funding opportunities and support structures for international partnerships and mobility programmes. Various approaches to supporting international students and researchers in Siegen were also presented. Particular interest was shown in the Student Living Room, a recently established space designed to foster well-being and interaction among local and international students. The initiative offers support services related to stress management, as well as opportunities for social engagement, community-building, and intercultural exchange.

Another highlight of the visit was a tour of the University of Siegen’s Fab Lab. Presented as an innovative hub connecting technology, creativity, and civic engagement, the facility provided valuable insights into the university’s interdisciplinary research and project activities.

Afterwards, preparations began for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two institutions over the long term. A key focus of the future partnership will be a joint English-language theatre project, scheduled for 2027 and led by Dr. Marcel Hartwig (University of Siegen) and Tim Davis (BCTC). The project aims to bring together students from different academic disciplines at both institutions, fostering creative intercultural exchange and enabling physical mobility between the two locations.

Beyond the artistic collaboration itself, the project places a strong emphasis on international dialogue. Students will have the opportunity to learn from one another, gain insights into different academic and creative approaches, and establish sustainable international networks that extend beyond the duration of the project.