As part of its strategic goal to promote innovative pedagogy, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has welcomed distinguished scholar, researcher and Stanford University lecturer, Dr Hope K. McCoy, as its second Fulbright Scholar. Photo: Provided

HLSCC’s inclusion in the Fulbright Scholar Awards Programme by the UK Fulbright Commission in 2022 marked a significant milestone in the College’s academic journey. Photo: VINO/File

Dr Hope K. McCoy has been recognised for her groundbreaking work, including her first book, From Congo to GONGO: Higher Education, Critical Geopolitics, and the New Red Scare (2023), which won the Peter Lang Emerging Scholars Competition in Black Studies. Photo: Amazon

Dr McCoy is a Lecturer and Fellow in the Civic, Liberal, and Global Education programme at Stanford University in California. Her research agenda explores the sociocultural dimensions of development studies, with a focus on education, public health, and the role of cultural diplomacy in geopolitics.

Dr McCoy has been recognised for her groundbreaking work, including her first book, From Congo to GONGO: Higher Education, Critical Geopolitics, and the New Red Scare (2023), which won the Peter Lang Emerging Scholars Competition in Black Studies. The book examines the historical and contemporary ties between Africa and Russia, providing an insightful analysis of education, politics, and Black studies within the geopolitical landscape.

Enriching the academic landscape @ HLSCC

According to a press release from HLSCC on March 31, 2025, Vice President of Academic Affairs at HLSCC, Dr Ronald Brunton expressed enthusiasm about Dr McCoy’s arrival, stating, “Dr McCoy’s presence at HLSCC as our second Fulbright Scholar is an extraordinary opportunity for our students and faculty to engage with global conversations in education, politics, and Black studies. Her expertise strengthens our mission to provide transformative education while expanding the College’s role in international scholarship. We are excited to welcome Dr McCoy to our community. With her addition, HLSCC is solidifying its place as a hub for scholarly engagement that connects the Virgin Islands to the world stage.”

According to the press release, Dr McCoy’s expertise in education, public health, and cultural diplomacy in geopolitics will enrich the academic landscape at HLSCC through guest lectures on Academic and Professional Writing, Global Citizenship, Education, and Social Policy; research and mentorship on workforce training and vocational education in Culinary and Hospitality Studies; as well as offering career and academic advising for students interested in transferring to four-year colleges.

Public lecture

Additionally, as part of her Fulbright engagement, Dr McCoy will also be delivering a public lecture on her book, From Congo to GONGO: Higher Education, Critical Geopolitics, and the New Red Scare.

This lecture will provide a compelling exploration of how higher education serves as a lens for understanding global diplomacy. With a focus on Africa and Russia, Dr McCoy will discuss the shifting values and political motives that have influenced foreign relations over time. The presentation will also highlight her experiences living and teaching in Russia as a Black American scholar and the broader implications for international education and diplomacy. Students, faculty, scholars, and community members are encouraged to attend the special public lecture by Dr McCoy once the date is announced.

Fulbright Scholar Awards Programme

This Fulbright Scholar engagement follows in the footsteps of HLSCC’s first Fulbright Scholar, Virgin Islander Tiphanie Yanique, who joined the College in 2023.

HLSCC’s inclusion in the Fulbright Scholar Awards Programme by the UK Fulbright Commission in 2022 marked a significant milestone in the College’s academic journey. The prestigious Fulbright Programme allows university faculty members with Ph.Ds. or equivalent terminal degrees to engage in teaching and research activities abroad, fostering international academic and cultural exchanges.

The selection of HLSCC as a host institution underscores its standing as an emerging hub for thought leadership and global scholarly engagement.

Dr McCoy’s presence at HLSCC will not only elevate academic discourse but will also provide students and faculty with new perspectives on education’s role in shaping societies worldwide. The College looks forward to the invaluable contributions she will make during her tenure and encourages the community to participate in the upcoming public lecture and other engaging sessions, the press release stated.