PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 6, 2023) – Prairie View A&M President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande and London Metropolitan University Vice-Chancellor Professor Lynn Dobbs have set the bar higher for educational and cultural exchanges, as well as initiating racial and socioeconomic change in the United States, United Kingdom and abroad.
“Let’s be honest, the world needs the talent and genius that resides within the students at our universities. I look forward to the amazing things that we will accomplish together,” Dr. LeGrande said at the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 27.
PVAMU and London Met are joining together as partners in a global exchange. A few weeks ago, both universities entered a partnership package MOU that exemplifies representation and opportunities for all London Met and PVAMU students.
The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Prairie View A&M University and London Metropolitan University is historic, and precedent setting. London Met is one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom with a demonstrated commitment to diversity; and at PVAMU we understand that a fundamental part of our mission is to form sustainable partnerships with our community and the world. Together our two universities share a commitment to address racial and social economic disparities in education. Through this MOA we will develop solutions and impact change for some of society’s most complex problems, while strengthening the human condition.
The ceremonial signing was held at the Willie A. Tempton, Sr. Memorial Student Center, and guests were welcomed by the Executive Director of International and Intercultural Programs, Dr. Godlove Fonjweng, who helped initiate this supreme accomplishment.
Dr. Fonjweng greeted guests by saying, “I recall that it was only a few months ago that our paths first crossed at the NAFSA conference in Washington D.C., and look where we are—on the verge of signing a very historic agreement.”
This celebration also included remarks from Professor Dobbs of London Met and PVAMU Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael L. McFrazier.
“This project matters for all of the reasons that have been discussed,” Professor Dobbs said. “It matters because of our commitment to the inequities in particular and social and economic injustices, but it also matters because there are two institutions that are very similar in their mission and their ethos, coming together to develop shared principles that will make a difference.”
The partnership details transatlantic collaboration, exclusive opportunities for students to study abroad, service-learning placements, and scholarships, as well as ultimately driving social change in the United Kingdom, United States and globally.
“This program is part of our comprehensive internationalization vision aimed at enhancing our students’ global perspectives to prepare them for our increasingly interconnected world,” Dr. Fonjweng said.
The signed MOU encourages direct collaboration between both institutions to promote research opportunities, inspire enrollment of qualified students in one another’s academic programs, as well as student and faculty exchange trips to London from Prairie View and from Prairie View to London.
Dr. McFrazier closed the commemorative event by detailing this significant commitment as a step toward fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between London Met and PVAMU.
“This ceremony signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between our universities as we embark on a journey of joint academic and social justice initiatives, research collaboration, and faculty and student exchange,” Dr. McFrazier said. “By combining strengths, we will enhance the educational experience and the future of the university.”
By Alex Byrd
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