VCU inks MOU with University of Havana

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today, Jan. 4, that Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Havana. The MOU will allow both institutions to work together to develop cooperative programs in a variety of academic disciplines studied at both institutions.

While on an historic marketing and collaboration mission to Cuba, Governor McAuliffe witnessed the signing during a meeting with Dr. Gustavo Cobreiro, Rector of the University of Havana, and Dr. Gail Hackett, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at VCU.

“World class higher education institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University play a vital role in our work to build a new Virginia economy, and they serve as key ambassadors to nations across the globe,” Governor McAuliffe was quoted as saying in a news release issued by his office.

“The University of Havana and VCU both have rich histories and bright futures. This MOU will ensure that the future includes significant engagement and collaboration between these great academic and research institutions, as well as between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation of Cuba.”

“Today’s agreement is a firm acknowledgement that our societies and our institutions must to work together and openly engage with one another in order to improve higher education in both Cuba and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” commented Secretary of Education Anne Holton. “I am pleased that VCU and the University of Havana have established collaborative relations to promote friendship and to cooperate in a mutually beneficial manner.”

From the exchange of students and faculty, to collaborative work on research projects and scientific advancement, this MOU opens the door to the pursuit of joint initiatives in areas such as health, economics, business, the arts and the humanities.  Strengthening academic and research collaboration is a significant step in building stronger economic and cultural ties between Virginia and Cuba, and will allow both partners to benefit from the unique assets these two institutions possess.