On November 4, 2024, Academic City University College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Northern Kentucky University (NKU) to introduce a STEM-focused MBA program set to commence in 2025. The program will begin with the first year of study at Academic City, followed by the remaining credits at NKU, culminating in an MBA in STEM awarded by NKU [cf285d10].
Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, President of NKU, emphasized the significance of this partnership in fostering cross-cultural collaboration, which is vital for educational growth and innovation. Prof. Fred McBagonluri, President of Academic City, highlighted the pressing need for new leadership in Africa to drive industrialization and development [cf285d10].
This partnership is regarded as groundbreaking within the subregion, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness. Notably, international students contributed over $40 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2022/23 academic year, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs, underscoring the economic impact of such educational initiatives [cf285d10]. Dr. Hassan R. HassabElnaby, Dean of Haile College of Business, stated that the initiative aims to deepen cross-cultural connections and strengthen the workforce, aligning with global educational trends [cf285d10].