Prof. Decatur recently made his first visit to the University of Exeter to mark the 40th anniversary of the Kenyon programme.

Kenyon College President visits Exeter to mark 40th anniversary of programme.

Prof Decatur became the 19th president of Kenyon College on July 1, 2013, and this was his first visit to Exeter. He was accompanied by Ms Meghan Mason, Assistant Director of Kenyon’s Centre for Global Engagement.

In 40 years since the programme began in 1975-6, almost 500 students from Kenyon have come to Exeter accompanied by their residential tutor, who this year is Professor Kim McMullen.

As part of their degree, Kenyon’s English majors can spend a year at Exeter studying a combination of Exeter and Kenyon modules. The flexibility of the programme also means that they can choose a module from other departments within the College of Humanities, for example Drama or Film Studies.

During their stay the students also participate in a wide-ranging cultural programme, visiting Cornwall, London and other parts of the UK and enjoying theatrical productions as part of their studies.

During Prof Decatur’s visit, he met with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith and senior members of the College of Humanities to discuss future collaboration projects, including the possibility of Exeter students and faculty spending time at Kenyon. It was also proposed to hold an alumni event in North America, to celebrate the anniversary of the partnership with the hundreds of alumni of the Kenyon-Exeter programme.

It has become tradition for over 30 years for the Kenyon Resident Director to organise a Thanksgiving dinner for the students at the Bridge Inn in Topsham. Exeter faculty, family, friends, and American residents in Topsham are invited.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, University of Exeter Vice Chancellor, who is currently visiting alumni and partner institutions in North America, said: “It is wonderful to celebrate this important anniversary of University of Exeter's oldest partnership in the year that Exeter has been recognised as a Global Top 100 University. We look forward to welcoming students from Kenyon for another 40 years and more, and to strengthening our links with Kenyon and alumni from this programme, of which we are extremely proud.”

Date: 13 November 2015

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