The American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), Connecticut, USA. The MOU outlines the “development of deeper partnerships” between the two universities’ schools and colleges, “particularly in pharmacy and other health-related disciplines,” as well as faculty members’ collaboration in research, instruction, and other activities, and also the consideration of study abroad programs.
“This is a very proud moment for our university,” said AUIB President, Dr. Michael Mulnix, at the online signing ceremony, thanking USJ for the opportunity to further expand AUIB’s global network of prominent partner institutions of higher education. President Mulnix stressed AUIB’s keenness on establishing such partnerships and the great value thereof, as the University is “aiming to be a comprehensive Tier One Research institution.”
“On behalf of the University of Saint Joseph’s board of trustees and faculty, I thank you for the opportunity to partner with you, as you build a thriving educational and research institution in Baghdad, in the tradition of American higher education… we at USJ are honored to be one of the partners in this endeavor,” said USJ President, Dr. Rhona Free, at the signing ceremony. President Free noted that USJ, founded in 1932, is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), proclaiming that USJ’s “doctoral program in pharmacy (is) one of our most successful and most respected programs.” President Free explained that “over the next few years, we would develop a clear pathway for (AUIB’s) Bachelor’s in Pharmacy students to earn a Doctor in Pharmacy through USJ,” adding that “the possibilities for sharing knowledge and discovery are endless with this new partnership. We are honored to be partners to AUIB, and look forward to many years of collaboration and friendship.”