MOU to Boost International Educational and Exchange Programs

Alabama A&M University is broadening its global impact through two newly signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) and Panpacific University in the Philippines. These partnerships will open doors for both students and faculty, enhancing opportunities for international education and exchange.

In June, the Alabama A&M Board of Trustees approved a series of MOUs aimed at extending the University’s influence in training, research, and education. Among these are the five-year agreements with DMMMSU and Panpacific University, which promise to create a wide array of collaborative activities, including short-term summer exchange programs, long-term study abroad opportunities, and faculty-led teaching and research initiatives.

Dr. Xia Zhang, International Program Coordinator in the College of Business and Public Affairs, has been instrumental in advancing these partnerships. With generous travel support from the Alabama A&M Office of Research and Economic Development, Zhang attended the 2023 Canada International Education (IE) Conference and presented, “The Strategic Use of Innovation Funds to Support Mobility Programs at Diverse Institutions,” drawing from case studies like the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund. This initiative led Zhang to meet with the Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs from both Filipino institutions, where they discussed the terms of the MOUs and explored future collaborative projects.

“These MOUs represent a significant step forward, allowing us to launch a variety of joint activities that will enrich our students’ global learning experiences,” said Zhang. “Through these partnerships, our students will gain deeper insights into different cultural and economic environments, which will in turn enhance their professional and personal growth.”

Alabama A&M’s commitment to global education is further evidenced by a grant from the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund in 2021-2022. This grant enabled a year-long project where students and faculty from Alabama A&M collaborated with peers from the Universidad de La Sabana and UNIMINUTO in Colombia, including visits to each other’s campuses.

These latest MOUs add to a growing list of international partnerships that Alabama A&M has established with institutions in China, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Rwanda. These efforts are in line with the University’s 2015-2025 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes preparing students to be globally aware and ready for the challenges of the 21st century. Zhang emphasizes institutional support, including academic policy and resource allocation to mental health services, is vital to the University's ongoing committment to its students.   

“In addition to student and faculty exchanges, these agreements will facilitate joint educational and certification programs, as well as research collaborations,” Zhang added. “Interest in international study and experiential learning is on the rise among our students, and these MOUs make those aspirations a reality.”