Indiana University (IU) has long been a pioneer in forging global academic partnerships that transcend borders, cultures, and disciplines. The partnership with Moi University in Kenya is a testament to this enduring commitment, characterized by mutual respect, shared goals, and a collective dedication to advancing global health, education, and innovation. The journey began with the foundational AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) Kenya program, and has evolved into a multifaceted collaboration, benefiting communities in western Kenya and setting a global standard for university partnerships. This strategic alliance is one of Indiana University’s most significant international collaborations and the IUPUI-Moi University partnership was the recipient of two major awards: the Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization and Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education. This relationship has been described by US Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, “…as the most comprehensive partnership anywhere on the African continent between American and indigenous educational institutions.”
We embarked on yet another chapter earlier in 2024, sending an IU delegation to Moi University to underscore our commitment to reinvigorating and expanding our partnership. The IU delegation, led by the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Indiana University Indianapolis, now aims to explore new avenues for collaboration that extend the impact of our joint efforts into arts, social sciences, post-graduate studies, research, innovation, and more.
Photos provided by Moi University
Strategic Areas for Collaborative Growth
In this next phase, our collaboration focuses on three strategic areas, identified through thoughtful dialogue and a commitment to leveraging our complementary strengths:
- Research and Innovation – By supporting the development of a robust research infrastructure, IU will work with Moi to build a sustainable infrastructure for research and innovation, laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial academic partnership.
- Arts and Social Sciences – IU and Moi will rejuvenate social science research collaborations and broaden the existing network to include the arts and humanities, fostering a more integrated approach to solving societal issues. This includes the specific partnership of the IU Lilly School of Philanthropy to help foster fundraising and philanthropy skills, both historically understood to be forms of practical application of the social sciences.
- Internationalization – In alignment with IU’s strengths in international education, IU and Moi are advancing experiential learning opportunities and bolstering comprehensive internationalization at Moi to enhance global engagement for students and faculty alike at both institutions.
Our renewed partnership also emphasizes various individual faculty connections across a number of schools that will contribute to an interdisciplinary foundation on which the partnership will grow.
Looking Ahead
The anticipation of President Whitten’s visit in May 2024 symbolizes IU’s deep-seated dedication to this partnership and its broader engagement with Africa. This visit, aligning with an inaugural AMPATH nursing conference and deepening relationships in Ghana, marks a significant milestone in our journey towards transforming our partnership into a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary collaboration that transcends traditional boundaries.
The IU-Moi University partnership stands as a cornerstone of IU’s engagement with partners in Africa, offering a vibrant framework for capacity building, research enhancement, and curriculum development. As we move forward, we are energized by the boundless opportunities this renewed partnership presents for creating deeper, more meaningful relationships with communities and scholars across Africa.
We invite the IU community and stakeholders to join us in this exciting journey, as we continue to build on our shared achievements and explore new frontiers of collaboration. Stay tuned for updates on the progress and impacts of this transformative partnership, as we strive to share and create impactful connections around the globe.
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