Seoul, South Korea — First Lady Tammy Murphy visited Sookmyung Women’s University — one of the world’s largest female educational institutes — and witnessed the signing of two academic agreements with Stockton University — one that establishes a joint study abroad program and one that allows for the mutual exchange of students and materials between the universities. During her visit, the First Lady met with Yunkeum Chang, President of Sookmyung Women’s University, and toured Le Cordon Bleu under the Division of Culture, Tourism & Hospitality Management. The agreements were signed during the Choose New Jersey governor-led economic mission to East Asia.

“As a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu myself, as well as a proud mother of a recent graduate, I know how rigorous this program is with its attention to detail and focus on excellence,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am so thrilled that we are taking another step towards bringing our countries even closer together by welcoming more South Korean students to New Jersey. At Stockton University, South Korean students will have a chance to study at one of the top hospitality programs in the United States while also enjoying a cultural immersion.”

The agreements were  signed on October 19, 2023, by Joseph A. Bertolino, Ed.D. President, Stockton University, and Yunkeum Chang, Ph.D, President, Sookmyung Women’s University. The agreements stand between the Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management Program in the School of Business at Stockton University and the Division of Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at Sookmyung Women’s University. 

“Time and again, studies have shown experiential learning to be a critical component in preparing students to succeed in the workforce,” President Joe Bertolino said. “Stockton University is excited to add a new opportunity to deliver on our mission of preparing students to succeed in a global society through the immersive learning made possible through this agreement. Our students will benefit by expanding their perspectives and experiencing the culture and life in South Korea, and we look forward to welcoming students from Sookmyung to our campuses in the Pinelands in Galloway and on the beach in Atlantic City.”

"This partnership will undoubtedly forge a path toward new horizons and global impact in the era of the New Normal," Sookmyung Women’s University President Yunkeum Chang said. "Since being founded in 1906 by the Royal Family of the Joseon Dynasty, Sookmyung has played a pivotal role in women’s education in Korea. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in global education. We look forward to students from Stockton University igniting the sparks of curiosity at Sookmyung, a vibrant campus nestled in the heart of Seoul."

“This partnership between Stockton University and Sookmyung Women’s University will strengthen our state’s best-in-nation education system and create more opportunities for our students,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “We are thrilled to see how these international partnerships benefit the students of New Jersey and South Korea as they navigate through an increasingly interconnected world.”

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey East Asia economic mission may contact Mahen Gunaratna (mahen.gunaratna@nj.gov) and Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com) or visit choosenj.com/EastAsiaMission for additional details.

Click here to read this release in Korean.