On July 30th, 2012, Confucius Institute at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) held a reception for the seven new Hanban guest teachers, who will be teaching Chinese in primary and secondary schools throughout the state. Dr. Steven Runge, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Laura Young, the Associate Provost of UCA, Michael Rowland, the Public School Program Advisor of Arkansas Department of Education, Jane Ann Williams, Director of International Engagement, Dr. Guo-ou Zhuang, the Director of the Confucius Institute, as well as principals and representatives from seven Arkansas school districts attended the reception.

Dr. Runge, spoke briefly at the reception stating that in the past five years, the Teach Chinese in Arkansas Program has made great strides despite the setbacks from the State Department last November over visa classifications. He expressed his thanks to the Arkansas school districts and to the Confucius Institute for their continuing support for the Teach Chinese in Arkansas Program.

Once the reception ended, the seven Hanban guest teachers were taken to their districts by officials from their new schools.