UW-RF's CAFES, VSU Sign Collaborative Education Agreement

By CnAgri Print

Leaders of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Virginia State University have agreed to pull some of their resources together to help students benefit from each other's staff and educational materials. On Saturday, the two universities signed a collaborative agreement that would create an opportunity for a broad range of efforts, which also includes study abroad programs, research and experiential learning opportunities.

"The relationship we are building between Virginia State University and UW-River Falls is unique within higher education," said UW-RF Chancellor Dean Van Galen. "VSU President Keith Miller and I are committed to supporting a sustainable relationship that will provide meaningful learning opportunities for the students, faculty and staff of both institutions."

Van Galen says the agreement identifies several academic programs in which collaborations will occur, such as animal and dairy science, aquaculture, agricultural business and economics, agricultural education, horticulture, health and human performance, and other academic programs as appropriate. In addition to academic programs, programming through Global Connections and the National Student Exchange will provide additional opportunities for enhancing student experiences on both campuses.

Meanwhile, Dale Gallenberg, dean of the UWRF College of Agriculture Food and Environmental Sciences, says the agreement provides a significant opportunity for CAFES faculty, staff, and students to experience both the similarities as well as the differences that exist in the VSU School of Agriculture and in the agricultural industry in Virginia.

"Sharing across these similarities and differences will enrich student experiences and allow for meaningful collaborations and exchanges in education, research, and other programs," Gallenberg said.

VSU is a historically black, land-grant university located near Petersburg, Virginaia. It was founded in 1882 and currently enrolls 5,300 students.