ASU & West Africa's UICF Sign MOU.

The two Presidents holding the Memorandum of Understanding agreement after the ceremony (photo credit: David Campbell/ASU).

ASU Establishes Formal Partnership with University in West Africa's Côte d' Ivoire Nation

- Universite Internationale Clairefontaine's President Joined ASU's President Ross in Nov. 8 Ceremony on ASU's Campus.

- The MOU Signing Ceremony Creates a Partnership with ASU's History and Political Science Department.  

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU. 

Alabama State University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a formal partnership between ASU and the Universite Internationale Clairefontaine (UICF), a West African university, which is located in the Republic of Côte d' Ivoire.  The signing ceremony took place on Nov. 8 in Alabama State University's J. Garrick Hardy Student Center's Theatre.  

The MOU signifies both schools’ commitment to enhancing the educational experience of each school's student body through international interaction. The MOU consummates a partnership between the UICF and the ASU Department of History and Political Science.  

"We, at The Alabama State University, are thankful for forging this partnership with Universite Internationale Clairefontaine and with the university’s President, the Honorable Chantal M. Fanny,"  explained ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., who served as the official host of the event. "This MOU is an example of international 'CommUniversity' for ASU, which aims to form partnerships that add to our student's success and helps to prepare them to be global change-agents." 

President Ross stated that the MOU agreement, signed by both presidents, will stimulate professionalism between the two universities and promote joint research activities. The agreement also compliments ASU’s new 'Focus 2030: The Strategic Plan for Alabama State University.' 

COMMENTS BY VISITING COTE 'D IVOIRE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT  

UICF President Chantal Fanny said the MOU helps to bridge a gap.  

"My wish is that this agreement will establish a strong and lasting relationship between our two universities," said President Fanny. "On this historic day between our two schools, I am grateful to be at this prestigious institution known as Alabama State University, which was founded by the Marion-Nine in 1867 and it being such a founding contributor of the American Civil Rights Movement. The time has come to bridge the gap between the Africans and African-Americans...may God prosper our global relationship created today here at Alabama State University.” 

COOPERATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH SCHOOLS 

ASU’s team of academic leaders worked with UICF officials to forge the agreement. The MOU team included Dr. Carl Pettis, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Tanjula Petty, assistant provost for Student Success and Special Initiatives; Dr. Kathaleen Amende, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Derryn Moten, chair of the department of History and Political Science;  and faculty members, Dr. Balla Keita and Dr. Craig Rogers.  

"This MOU promotes the development of joint studies, research and training activities and other educational and professional programs of mutual interest," Petty stated during the formal signing ceremony. "The vision of ASU states that the institution will achieve global recognition through excellence in teaching, research and service...we will build upon quality scholarship and academic rigor to graduate a diverse corps of lifelong learners who are fully equipped to lead and succeed as citizens of the global workforce." 

Petty believes that the joint memorandum of understanding signals that Alabama State University is "headed in the right direction." 

"Today, we celebrate this MOU as a new beginning for our partnership, and the significance of this next step for both institutions, which will uplift both faculty and students alike," Petty concluded.

News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104.

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