The university’s plan to make the integrative health program operational is moving along slowly but surely.

Most recently, university officials have nearly completed the process of hiring a visiting professor to teach courses in the integrative health concentration courses of the health and human performance Master’s program.

“We have made an offer to a woman with a Ph.D. who lives in Canada and is Chinese by birth, who has a background in integrative health,” said John Thornell, vice-president of academic affairs. “She has some interesting knowledge and skill sets that we think are going to be very valuable. She will come teach to help us get that program off of the ground.”

The faculty member will be hired for one year, using money from the $150,000 check the university received in August from the Shenqi Company, the university’s partner and main investor in this venture, Thornell said.

“The position we are looking at right now is a one year appointment as a visiting professor,” said Tom Coates, chair of the Department of Health Physical Education and Recreation. “Part of the start up money that Chairman Zhang (Zhiting, owner of the Shenqi Company) gave to the university was to get someone in and check the viability of the program. Right now, (the faculty member is) scheduled to teach two courses in the fall and two courses in the spring.”

One vital factor in this process is the relationship between University President Cale and Chairman Zhang. With Cale’s recent announcement of resignation, officials have to consider how to maintain the trust established between the university and the Shenqi Company, Thornell said.

“Partnerships in China are “Partnerships in China are based largely off trust,” Thornell said. “The problem is that Chairman Zhang has created a trust relationship with Dr. Cale. While the practical side can go forward, how do we transition Chairman Zhang over to having the same level of trust with another individual?”

Thornell does not believe the president’s departure will put the program in jeopardy, he said.

“I’m not saying the project is going to fall apart because the president is leaving,” he said. “Im just simply saying that reconstructing that trust relationship with Dr. Cale not in the mix is going to take a little bit of work.”

Cale intends to stay involved with certain projects upon retirement, he said via email.

“I intend to continue to be involved with several of our programs including the international program and the integrative health project after I step down from the presidency,” Cale said. “I am deeply invested in both and want to do all I can to make sure both are successful. In short, I believe that through this transitional approach that all the efforts with which I am involved will move forward without any adverse consequences.”