Alabama A&M University strengthened its role as a hub for international collaboration by welcoming a delegation of university leaders and scholars from across Africa for a convening on “Strengthening University Partnerships.” The program, hosted on September 25, 2025, in the LINQ Room of the College of Business and Public Affairs (COBPA), was organized in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and Global Ties Alabama.

Dr. Xia (Amy) Zhang, International Program Coordinator for COBPA, delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of Dr. Timothy Mantz, Dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, setting the stage for a day of dialogue focused on global collaboration.

This engagement reflects AAMU’s expanding global vision, building on recent Memoranda of Understanding with institutions in China, Africa, Germany, and beyond. These agreements have opened new opportunities for joint research, faculty exchanges, and student mobility, laying the foundation for even broader collaborations worldwide.

The convening featured presentations by Zhang and Dr. Lamin S. Kassama, Professor in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences. Both highlighted AAMU’s commitment to applied research, international training pathways, and global engagement strategies that connect students, faculty, and communities across borders.

“By connecting our classrooms, laboratories, and communities across borders, we expand opportunities for our students and amplify the impact of our research,” said Zhang. “We are grateful to our colleagues and guests for a thoughtful, forward-looking dialogue.”

Kassama emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing innovation and student success. “This visit showcased how applied research, industry engagement, and student training can connect institutions across borders. We see clear opportunities for joint projects that benefit students and communities on both sides.”

Deborah Hunter, coordinator of research and economic development in the Division of Research and Economic Development, welcomed each guest with a commemorative AAMU gift on his behalf. The event also featured support from five members of the COBPA International Program Committee – Dr. Doris Bestman, Dr. Sheri Keenan, Ms. Sonya Merritt, Dr. Mahjuja Taznin and Dr. Reuben Twijukye.

The visiting leaders represented institutions across Algeria, the Central African Republic, C?te d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, and Nigeria. Their professional objectives aligned with U.S. Department of State priorities, including university administration best practices; sustaining international partnerships; public–private collaboration; technology transfer and job creation; the role of Minority-Serving 威廉希尔官网s (MSIs); monetizing research; and expanding international faculty collaboration.

Next steps following the convening include confirming institutional points of contact, piloting initiatives such as virtual guest lectures, co-mentored capstone projects, and short-term faculty exchanges, and scheduling planning sessions to finalize timelines. Building on AAMU’s recent Memoranda of Understanding(MOUs) with partner universities, the delegation also agreed to explore additional MOU agreements that will formalize collaborative opportunities in joint research, faculty mobility, and student exchanges.