Historically Black Norfolk State University in Virginia has entered into a partnership with the University of the West Indies, Mona in Jamaica.
The areas of cooperation will include a range of activities and programs geared towards fostering and developing a cooperative relationship between the two institutions. The agreement calls for joint research activities; joint teaching and supervision of students; and the staging of joint seminars, conferences, and academic meetings. The agreement will also facilitate education abroad for undergraduate and graduate students, including exchanges, internships, electives, and practicum. The agreement will also see the exchange of academic materials and other information, and a variety of other collaborative academic programs.
Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University, stated that “we want all our students to do two things before they leave us – internship and travel abroad. First, they must have an internship. Why is that important? We know that when students intern they are more likely to get a job offer. They must have a sense of diversity and inclusion, where they can work across cultures and across borders. Second, they must travel; our students need international experience, and there is no better place than the UWI! We want to create that opportunity for students to go abroad, to be immersed in a culture, and to find their way, their voice, and their sense of being a citizen of the world in a way that helps them to be their best self.”
Dr. Gaston, you are a visionary! Internships are the key in supporting the career path of your students, which in turn, will secure a better future for them. I am also pleased that you selected the University of the West Indies which will give your students a stronger foundation in learning about their history and other cultural histories as well. Bravo to you.
I long to be in communication with you.
Founder of Hampton Roads Caribbean Organization H.R.C.O. and an Alumni.