BHSU ANNOUNCES JAPAN OUTREACH INITIATIVE COORDINATOR

BHSU ANNOUNCES JAPAN OUTREACH INITIATIVE COORDINATOR

• BHSU Communications
• 11 September 2024

Black Hills State University (BHSU) announced the appointment of Yukari Tadano as the new Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator. Tadano, a distinguished cultural ambassador from Japan, will join BHSU for a two-year term to spearhead cultural programming and deepen community engagement between Japan and the Black Hills region.

Tadano's appointment is part of a broader effort by BHSU to enhance global engagement and provide students with a rich, culturally expansive educational experience. Her role is sponsored by JOI, a joint initiative of the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution, which brings volunteer Japanese coordinators on J-1 visas to regions of the U.S. where Japanese culture is less accessible. JOI coordinators are hosted by U.S. nonprofits and educational institutions like BHSU.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Yukari Tadano to our campus and community," said Kaitlin Palmer, Coordinator of the International Relations and Global Engagement Office at BHSU. "Her expertise and passion for cultural outreach will be invaluable in enriching and strengthening our international programming. We look forward to the innovative and engaging activities she will bring to our students and the wider community."

Tadano's role at BHSU will focus on developing and implementing cultural programs, workshops, and events that highlight Japanese and International traditions, art, and language, while also creating opportunities for community members to engage in meaningful cultural exchange. Tadano will work closely with BHSU students, faculty, staff, and local organizations to host a range of activities, including the annual Free Language Class series held on Thursdays at 4 p.m., the Food Festival and Cultural Expo during International Education Week Nov. 18-22, and many other collaborative projects.

For more information about upcoming events, visit BHSU.edu/Events. For more information about seeking collaboration opportunities or hosting Yukari Tadano for an exchange event, contact [email protected] or 605.642.6942.