The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing has expanded its global reach through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the College of Nursing Art and Science at the University of Hyogo in Japan. The agreement, formalized in October 2025, establishes a long-term partnership focused on international exchange, collaborative research and shared educational opportunities for nursing students and faculty.
“Nursing has always been a global profession, and partnerships like this remind us how much stronger we are when we work together,” said School of Nursing Dean Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN. “Our collaboration with the University of Hyogo reflects our belief that global engagement is essential to the future of nursing. By connecting our faculty, students and research programs, we are creating opportunities that will shape innovation and strengthen communities far beyond our own borders.”
Dean Im, Linda Kim, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, CPHQ, CGNC, director of the Center for Global Nursing and Health (CGNH), and Cara Young, PhD, RN, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN, assistant dean for graduate and doctoral education, traveled to Hyogo to participate in the official signing ceremony and a series of meetings and academic events designed to build the foundation for a long-term partnership.
Building a Global Partnership Rooted in Shared Purpose
The collaboration with the University of Hyogo aligns closely with the mission of School of Nursing’s CGNH, which serves as a central hub for cultivating international relationships and advancing global health initiatives across the School of Nursing.
With this signing, the University of Hyogo now joins a distinguished network of global partners who collaborate with UT Austin to expand learning, research and cultural exchange.
The addition of the University of Hyogo strengthens UT Austin’s footprint in East Asia and reinforces CGNH’s vision of fostering global scholarship through diversified, strategic partnerships.
As part of the visit, Dean Im delivered a keynote lecture during the international seminar hosted at the Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and the Community. The seminar also featured a panel discussion, open dialogue and a networking session with faculty and researchers from both universities.
Throughout the trip, School of Nursing faculty participated in professional exchanges with Hyogo colleagues, including discussions on nursing curriculum, clinical training models and joint research priorities.
The new MOU represents a significant step in the School of Nursing’s commitment to developing global partnerships that enhance education, broaden cultural understanding, and elevate research addressing worldwide health challenges. The School of Nursing looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the University of Hyogo and expanding global opportunities for its students and faculty.