The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) signed an articulation agreement to establish combined degree programmes. Photo: UVI

HLSCC President Dr Richard W.E. Georges signs the articulation agreement to establish combined degree programs with the University of the Virgin Islands in January 2025. Photo: UVI

UVI President Dr. Safiya George signs the articulation agreement with HLSCC to establish combined degree programs with the University of the Virgin Islands in January 2025. Photo: UVI

The agreement, signed at UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus on St Croix in January 2025, is for combined programmes leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Business, Agroecology, Animal Science, Aquaponics, and Horticulture.

Agreement terms

Students enrolled in the programme must attend HLSCC or any other educational institution, if applicable, to complete the outlined requirements.

Then they will transition to UVI for approximately two years, during which they will complete around 60 credits of coursework. The total college-level credits required for the degree will be no fewer than 120.

“Upon fulfilling the academic requirements specified in the degree plan and curriculum, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business, Agroecology, Animal Science, Aquaponics, or Horticulture from UVI,” a press release from UVI on February 4, 2025, stated. 

HLSCC-UVI partnership a testament to evolution of education- Hon de Castro 

Describing this new partnership between the HLSCC and UVI as a testament to the continued evolution of education in the Virgin Islands, Hon Shari B. De Castro (AL), Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, said, “We are not only expanding opportunities but also deepening our embrace of STEAM through agriculture…This collaboration represents a strategic investment in the future of agriculture, equipping students with the knowledge and expertise to ensure food security, sustainability, and economic growth in our Territory.”

HLSCC President Dr Richard W.E. Georges, highlighting the significance of the agreement, said HLSCC recognises the critical role agriculture plays in food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. 

“By aligning our programmes with UVI, we are ensuring that students have access to a world-class agricultural education while maintaining strong ties to their local community,” Dr Georges said. 

The initiative, he added, supports the HLSCC’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of the Territory.

Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Karl Dawson (R1) added, “I am pleased that this agreement opens learning opportunities in agriculture for students from the British Virgin Islands in addition to linking our territory with the excellent agricultural research capability of UVI.”

The HLSCC is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.