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HUNTINGTON, WV -- (Marketwire) -- 11/15/12 -- Marshall University and INTO University Partnerships today finalized a long-term agreement that is expected to build the institution's global profile and increase international student enrollment at the university.

Marshall and INTO have been developing the partnership for the past two years to build on Marshall's growing international reputation and to bring greater awareness of global cultures to West Virginia's college students and communities.

INTO is a private company that forms innovative joint venture partnerships with leading universities to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student success and transforming lives. Students benefit from university-designed programs, university-led teaching, and supportive university environments while enjoying full access to university campus facilities, resources and services. Since 2006, the company has successfully launched partnerships with 17 universities in the United Kingdom, United States and Asia.

"Today we celebrate the start of an innovative program that truly will internationalize Marshall University and our greater Huntington community," said Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, president of Marshall. "Our plan is very progressive and, in many ways, pioneering, because of its potential global influence on our students, our university and our state.

"We are very excited about the outstanding learning and growth experiences we can offer the many international students who will choose to come to West Virginia each year and enroll at Marshall. Perhaps as significant are the diverse learning and cultural enrichment opportunities their involvement at Marshall will create for the thousands of Marshall University students from across our state and nation. This initiative literally will create a multicultural, global village on our Huntington campus."

Marshall becomes the fourth U.S. university to sign on with INTO, following Oregon State University, University of South Florida and Colorado State University.

Marshall currently has an international population of about 400 students from 60 countries. The Center for International Programs was established in 1993 and provides a variety of international programs and support services, including study abroad, cooperative international research, community outreach, the English as a Second Language Institute and immigration assistance for students and employees. The university's annual International Festival is one of the most popular university-sponsored events, drawing thousands of students and community members.

INTO will use its extensive global recruitment network across 75 countries to help enroll 200+ additional students in the INTO Marshall program from key international markets. The first intake of INTO Marshall students will be August 2013. This added international student enrollment will diversify the student body at Marshall while helping to sustain the university's growth and advance the institution's ambitious goals for comprehensive internationalization.

INTO University Partnerships is a member of the American International Recruitment Council, which requires its members to adhere to stringent quality assurance practices for recruitment.