Exploring Global Education with Kenya

A successful global educational partnership requires three things: communication, commitment and resources, according to Dr. Dan Kulmala, assistant vice president of international programs and global engagement at Millersville. A February campus visit from His Excellency David K. Kerich, Ambassador of Kenya to the United States, "shows how strong the traction is in this direction," Kulmala says.

Kerich and his delegation met with President Daniel Wubah and senior leaders to discuss academic collaboration, including strategies for joint research, faculty exchanges, curriculum development and resource sharing. Two possible initiatives were among the agenda items: a 1+2+1 Dual Degree Pathway and a Partner Campus proposal.

The 1+2+1 pathway involves "students starting school at their home in Kenya, transferring to Millersville to earn credits for two years, then returning home to complete their degree," Kulmala says. This structure would enable students to earn dual degrees from Kenyan and U.S. institutions. "The best and brightest return home to their country, where they often add entrepreneurial initiatives," Kulmala adds.

The Partner Campus proposal explores the potential for establishing a Millersville campus in Kenya. "Millersville could create a college of nursing and health studies to address shortages in nurses and healthcare workers," Kulmala says. "We could provide resources and offer a cost-effective approach for international students to earn a dual degree without traveling internationally and relocating."

In addition, Millersville students could study at the partner campus and faculty could teach there. With help from a growing consortium of universities - including Millersville and four Kenyan schools - Kenya could be positioned as a major international hub, attracting students from Africa and around the world. "This kind of partnership can make that happen," Kulmala says, "but the consortium is essential."

Ambassador Kerich's visit included a Zoom session for leaders and faculty members from the five universities. It's purpose? To strengthen the consortium through conversations focused on academic, education, professional and entrepreneurial opportunities.

"This is possible and doable," Ambassador Kerich shares. "Kenya is the gateway of technology in the region. We have the infrastructure. We have a young, hard-working population, and English is nearly the first language of instruction in Kenya. We gained our independence in 1963, and we are growing stronger every day."

"At Millersville, our mission encourages us to act with intention beyond our geographic limits," says President Daniel A. Wubah. "These partnerships not only enrich our students and faculty but also contribute to meaningful global progress. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with our Kenyan colleagues as we explore joint research, faculty exchanges, clinical partnerships and educational pathways that link Pennsylvania and Kenya through innovation."