Southern University, the historically Black educational institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is in the running for a program to receive a major influx of Afro-Brazilian students. The Brazilian government plans to send groups of 10 students to study at universities in the United States. And up to three groups of 10 students could be sent to one particular university. The Brazilian government would pay tuition and other expenses.
Barbara Carpenter, dean of international education at Southern University, stated that “this is another strong effort by Southern University to extend its international recruitment while providing access to higher education to a part of the Brazilian population in need of this opportunity.” Dr. Carpenter holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern University and a doctorate in adult and occupational education from Kansas State University.
In 2013, Southern University hosted more than three dozen Afro-Brazilian students who studied English and lived on campus. Other HBCUs competing to attract the Afro-Brazilian students include Jackson State University in Mississippi and Florida A&M University. Emory University and Rice University are also seeking to participate in the program.
