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The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) School of Agriculture has signed an articulation agreement with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to establish combined degree programs leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Business, Agroecology, Animal Science, Aquaponics, and Horticulture. The signing ceremony took place in January 2025 at UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. 

  

UVI President Dr. Safiya George expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “The UVI School of Agriculture is pleased to collaborate with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. We share the same vision and mission in helping students who are seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture.”   

 

Dr. Usman Adamu, dean and director of the UVI School of Agriculture, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in enhancing educational opportunities for students in the region.  

signing with president George“We have worked hard to build this collaborative relationship that will open doors to a wide array of career opportunities in agriculture,” said Dr. Adamu. “Agriculture is more than farming. A degree in agriculture can lead to successful careers involving business, science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields.” 

 BVI


“This partnership between HLSCC and UVI is a testament to the continued evolution of education in the Virgin Islands, where we are not only expanding opportunities but also deepening our embrace of STEAM through agriculture,” said British Virgin Islands Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Sharie B. de Castro. “This collaboration represents a strategic investment in the future of agriculture, equipping students with the knowledge and expertise to ensure food security, sustainability, and economic growth in our Territory.” 

  

HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges also highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting, At HLSCC, we recognize the critical role that agriculture plays in food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. By aligning our programs with UVI, we are ensuring that students have access to a world-class agricultural education while maintaining strong ties to their local community.” He continued, “This initiative supports our mission of providing accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our territory. We look forward to seeing our students take advantage of this opportunity, further strengthening the agricultural sector and helping to shape a future where innovation, sustainability, and expertise drive the industry forward.  

 

 “I am pleased that this agreement opens learning opportunities in agriculture for students from the British Virgin Islands in addition to linking our territory with the excellent agricultural research capability of UVI,” said Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Karl Dawson. 

 

Under the terms of the articulation agreement, students enrolled in the program will be required to attend HLSCC (or any other educational institution, if applicable) to complete the outlined requirements. Following this, students will transition to UVI for approximately two years, during which they will complete around 60 credits of coursework. The total college-level credits required for the degree will be no fewer than 120. 

 

Upon fulfilling the academic requirements specified in the degree plan and curriculum, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business, Agroecology, Animal Science, Aquaponics, or Horticulture from UVI. This collaboration aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in agriculture, preparing them for successful careers in various agricultural fields.  

 

For more information, contact Leandra Kent, UVI SOA Public Relations specialist and editor at (340) 692-4060 or leandra.kent@uvi.edu and the UVI Public Relations Office at (340) 693-1059 or pr@uvi.edu. The School of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider and employer.