A delegation from the Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) will arrive in the Virgin Islands (VI) for a visit with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) next week. Photo: MSSU

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has had a 23-year partnership with the Missouri Southern State University and is one of its longest-standing partners in international education. Photo: HLSCC

The delegation is set to arrive in the VI on November 18, 2024, from MSSU, which is located in Joplin, Missouri in the United States. HLSCC is one of MSSU's longest-standing partners in international education, boasting a 23-year partnership.

The MSSU delegation will be led by Dr Dean Van Galen, President of MSSU, and will also include Dr Stephanie Goad, Senior Coordinator of International Admissions and Recruitment, and Kevin Greim, Associate Vice President for Development.

MOU to be renewed

During the visit, the Memorandum of Understanding between the two higher education institutions will be renewed. The MOU’s renewal underscores MSSU’s “ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, international education, and development opportunities for students from the BVI,” a press release from HLSCC stated.

The delegation will meet with HLSCC officials, engage with current and prospective students, and reconnect with MSSU alumni from the VI. They will also reconnect with MSSU alumni in the VI during a social event at the HLSCC’s Resource Centre on November 22, 2024, from 5:30 PM.

The delegation also plans on making a courtesy call on the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

“We are proud of our partnership with HLSCC, which has enriched the lives of hundreds of BVI students over the years,” said Dr Galen who added, “This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our ties, identify new avenues for collaboration, and further support the educational aspirations of BVI students.”

Hundreds of students from the VI have attended MSSU since the partnership was formed in 2001.