The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, recently hosted a delegation from Indiana University, USA, to strengthen ties and explore opportunities for academic collaboration. The visit aimed to establish a meaningful partnership between the two Universities, leveraging their expertise in education, research, and community engagement.
Indiana University, founded in 1820, has a rich history of innovation, making groundbreaking contributions in DNA technology, cancer research, and cultural programs that shape students’ futures. Leading the delegation were Prof. Jennifer Brass from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Bomita and Kathy Fisher from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington.
During a meeting at the UESD Council Chamber, Prof. Anthony Amoah, Acting Dean of the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and facilitator of the collaboration, explained how his previous invitation to Indiana University provided the opportunity to present UESD’s Community-Based Experiential Learning (CoBEL) programme. He described CoBEL as an initiative where final-year students immerse themselves in surrounding communities for five weeks, engaging in hands-on, real-world learning—an approach similar to Indiana University’s Capstone programme. He noted that the visit was not just about formalising collaboration but also about enabling the Indiana delegation to interact directly with UESD students.
Prof. Brass supported this vision, emphasising that a collaboration between the two Universities would offer students an invaluable opportunity to work together on real-world challenges, particularly in environmental sustainability and community development. She highlighted Indiana University’s recent establishment of a Gateway Office in Accra, which seeks to strengthen connections between Indiana and Ghanaian Universities, businesses, and organizations. Expressing optimism, she believed the gateway would serve as a conduit for continued engagement between UESD and Indiana University.
She also introduced Indiana University’s Global Capstone programme, a semester-long course running from August to December, where student teams collaborate with faculty members and client organizations on consulting projects. The programme covers areas such as monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and environmental assessments, forming a core part of Indiana University’s nonprofit management curriculum.
Adding to Prof. Brass’s remarks, Kathy Fisher shared her experiences in leading student trips to Germany, where the collaboration with local students proved invaluable. She noted how cultural exchanges provided students with fresh perspectives and hands-on experience in international settings. Fisher expressed excitement about the possibility of a similar exchange between Indiana University and UESD, where students could engage in meaningful cross-cultural projects.
UESD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, warmly welcomed the Indiana University delegation, expressing his enthusiasm about the potential partnership. As UESD enters its fifth year of operation, he emphasised the institution’s eagerness to form collaborations with globally recognized universities. He noted that international partnerships align with UESD’s strategic goals, particularly in fostering global engagement and enhancing the University’s impact through research and student development.
Beyond student and faculty exchanges, discussions also covered potential research collaborations, particularly in limestone-related environmental sustainability projects, given Indiana’s prominence as the limestone capital of the United States. Also present at the meeting was UESD Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Ayegpong.
As part of the visit, a session was held for students and faculty, where discussions centred on educational opportunities at Indiana University, publishing guidelines for the Journal of Development Studies, work-life balance for faculty and staff, and study-life balance for students.