A crowd gathered in the parlor of Rogers Hall Aug. 15 to watch as an agreement was signed between Shenqi Ethnic Medicine College (SEMC) and UNA that officially establishes the UNA U.S.-China International Institute.

This agreement is another development in the ongoing process to offer an integrative health concentration under the Master of Science degree in health and human performance to graduate students at UNA. 

Although SEMC is a medical college, the Institute created by the agreement is not a medical school and the studies it provides will be available to both international and domestic students, said Tom Coates, chair of the department of health physical education and recreation. 

The Institute will first focus on offering a graduate concentration in integrative health, which Coates defines as a study of multiple areas, such as fitness, exercise science, nutrition, stress management and behavior modification, while also looking at a holistic approach to health from an oriental perspective.

The agreement establishing the Institute was signed by UNA’s president William Cale and Chairman Zhang Zhiting, owner of the Shenqi Company, and formalizes the relationship between the two groups as they move forward in this joint-venture. 

“The institute would initially offer graduate training in integrative health, move toward the addition of a program in innovation management, and explore the possibility of adding educational opportunities in sustainable development,” Cale said in a resolution summary, found in the documented agreement.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, who 

represents Alabama’s fourth congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, expressed his excitement for the new program at the press conference, calling it one of the first of its kind.

“This new innovative program will have an expansive reach, not only for the patients, but those interested in bringing a holistic approach to medicine,” said Aderholt. “Even more than that, it’s a great opportunity to grow lasting partnerships and friendships between our two countries.” 

Chairman Zhang also presented a check of $150,000 in seed money on behalf of SEMC to UNA to fund the hiring of a faculty member to teach integrative health.

“It is obvious to us all that health is an increasingly important topic,” Cale said. “Our shared dream is that graduates from this program will become global agents for health reform, going out into schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, senior center, social organizations and elsewhere to serve others.”

Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock was also present to sign papers completing the sale of the Florence Country Club property to the SEMC, which will in turn begin developing the land and constructing facilities to house the Institute.

“The city of Florence has been and remains a full partner in this extraordinary endeavor,” Cale said. “While my history in this community is somewhat short, I cannot imagine that relationships between the city and the university have ever been stronger.”

These agreements will affect all students at UNA – not just those wishing to pursue graduate studies in integrative health, Coates said.

“I think there are going to be some great opportunities,” said John Thornell, vice-president of academic affairs. “We are going to build a residence hall and put some facilities out at the Florence Country Club (property) that will (benefit) all students. We should see construction start within the next two or three months.”

Coates said the facilities will also feature office space, classrooms and other needs the university will require as the student body expands.