The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), located in Joplin, Missouri, USA are set to deepen their 23-year partnership with HLSCC – one of MSSU’s longest-standing partners in international education as a MSSU delegation arrives in the British Virgin Islands the week of 18th November 2024. The visit will include the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding, underscoring MSSU’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, international education, and development opportunities for students from the BVI.
The MSSU delegation, led by Dr. Dean Van Galen, President of MSSU, will also include Dr. Stephanie Goad, Senior Coordinator of International Admissions and Recruitment, and Kevin Greim, Associate Vice President for Development. During their time on Tortola, the delegation will meet with HLSCC officials, engage with current/prospective students, and reconnect with MSSU alumni from the BVI.
In addition, the MSSU representatives plan to make courtesy calls with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as the Ministry of Health and Social Development. These visits are expected to explore broader areas of collaboration that may benefit both institutions and the wider BVI community.
“We are proud of our partnership with HLSCC, which has enriched the lives of hundreds of BVI students over the years,” said Dr. Van Galen. “This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our ties, identify new avenues for collaboration, and further support the educational aspirations of BVI students.”
Since the MSSU-HLSCC partnership began in 2001, hundreds of students from the BVI have attended MSSU, benefitting from a diverse academic environment and cultural exchange. During their visit, the MSSU team plans to reconnect with BVI alumni at a social event hosted by MSSU at the HLSCC’s Resource Centre on Friday 22nd November 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
For more information about the partnership between MSSU and HLSCC or opportunities for BVI students at MSSU, please contact: Dr. Stephanie Goad, Sr. Coordinator of International Admissions and Recruitment via email Goad-S@mssu.edu or telephone 417-625-9372.