Two officials from the University of Kentucky (UK) in the US have ended a week-long visit to Liberia, after holding discussions on higher education research and partnership with authorities at the state-owned University of Liberia (UL), the US Embassy in Monrovia said on Friday.
Dr. Wayne Sanderson and Dr. Tim Barnes from the University of Kentucky (UK) visited Liberia from June 16-21 under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy to meet with Liberian higher education administrators and to explore a partnership with the University of Liberia in public health and other areas.
According to a US Embassy press release, Dr. Sanderson and Dr. Barnes conducted two workshops, in conjunction with the Association of Liberian Universities, at the Embassy’s American Center on June 16 and June 21.
The workshops focused on the themes: “The Role of Research in Higher Education” and “Trends in U.S. Higher Education.”
Senior representatives from Liberian universities, colleges and communities participated and discussed issues including higher education funding, community and alumni outreach, faculty development, internationalization and partnerships.
Dr. Barnes and Dr. Sanderson also gave presentations at the University of Liberia’s “Lux Talk” forum on “Universities and Challenges in the 21st Century:
Fundraising, Globalization and Partnerships” and on “An American Public
University’s Response to Local Health Needs.”
On June 20, Dr. Barnes and Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks, President of the University of Liberia (UL), signed a memorandum of understanding between UL and UK to promote a cooperative relationship through mutual assistance in the areas of education, research, and engagement.
U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Christine Elder noted: “There is tremendous potential benefit in collaboration and exchange between these two great institutions of higher education.”
Dr. Sanderson is a professor of epidemiology at the University of Kentucky’s School of Public Health. Dr. Barnes is the University of Kentucky’s Executive Director of International Partnerships and Research Center.