Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) explored cooperation measures for cultivating future defense industry talent through engagement with Boeing Korea, a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry.

Will Shaffer, President of Boeing Korea, officially visited Jeonbuk National University on March 31 and met with President Yang O-bong to discuss possible cooperation in various areas, including internships and student job placement. The visit was arranged to expand exchanges with global defense companies and to strengthen talent development in the aerospace and defense fields.

About 100 people attended the event, including President Yang O-bong, senior university officials, faculty from the Department of Advanced Defense Studies, and current students.

At JBNU International Center Donghaeng Hall, Will Shaffer gave a special lecture to students, sharing his experiences—ranging from a former U.S. Navy pilot to an aerospace industry executive—and offering career advice and insights into related industrial fields. A question-and-answer session followed on the future of the aerospace and defense industry and the competencies global companies seek.

Prior to the lecture, in a meeting with President Yang O-bong, they exchanged views on cooperation focused on talent development and mutual areas of interest, and agreed to continue seeking various forms of cooperation.

President Yang O-bong said, "Interaction with Boeing, a world-leading aerospace and defense company, is a meaningful opportunity for JBNU’s ongoing strategy to specialize in the advanced defense sector," adding, "Through this visit, we will strive to present a vision of the global defense industry to students and to translate it into substantive cooperation."

Will Shaffer said, "It was a meaningful time to communicate directly with Korea’s outstanding students," and added, "We will actively explore diverse cooperation opportunities with Korean universities going forward."

Meanwhile, JBNU established the nation’s first undergraduate program in the Department of Advanced Defense Studies and enrolled its first 20 freshmen this year. The university pursues education and research aimed at training K-defense specialists equipped with advanced technology, defense policy knowledge, and global capabilities. It is also strengthening an Industry-University Cooperation foundation that connects education, research, and employment through exchanges with global defense companies.