The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), a premier U.S.-accredited institution located in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USA), is expanding its student recruitment efforts in Ghana through a December outreach mission. This marks UVI’s second recruitment visit to Ghana, following a 2023 trip that generated more than 700 inquiries from Ghanaian students.
During this year’s visit, UVI representatives will meet with secondary school students, conduct in-person admission interviews, and host informational townhalls in Accra and Kumasi. Ghanaian students interested in pursuing a U.S. degree through UVI are encouraged to attend one of the scheduled sessions:
The UVI delegation will include UVI President Dr. Safiya George; UVI Provost Dr. Lora Bailey, Dr. Rick Nader, Vice President for Research and Economic Development; Dr. Kendra Harris, Dean of the School of Business; and Dr. Nathan Austin, Professor of Hospitality Management and a native of Ghana. A key feature of the visit is UVI’s Director of Admissions Dr. Edward Alexander, who will be instrumental in advising and admitting students. Potential UVI students from Ghana will have an opportunity to meet students and faculty participating in UVI’s Passport to the World educational program travelling to Ghana at the same time.
While in Ghana, UVI leaders will pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Education and also engage with education authorities, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies Accra, Registrar of the University of Ghana; the Director General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), representing all universities across Africa; the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which regulates international academic partnerships; and the GETFund, the government agency that provides scholarship assistance for Ghanaian students.
During their school visits and townhalls in Kumasi and Accra, UVI representatives will introduce students and families to academic programs, scholarship opportunities and the benefits of earning a U.S. degree from UVI. With Ghanaian students representing one of the largest groups of international students studying in the United States, UVI offers an accessible pathway to American higher education, strong academic programs, and career-ready training in fields such as business, hospitality, education, nursing and STEM.
“This mission strengthens the growing ties between UVI, Ghanaian families, and the broader African academic community,” stated President George. “Ghana has a strong tradition of academic excellence, and we look forward to helping talented students access educational and career pathways through UVI.”
Dr. Austin said, “Interest from Ghana has been very positive, and the Virgin Islands community continues to show deep cultural and historical interest in Ghana, making expanding educational ties particularly significant.” He added, “We are committed to creating meaningful educational opportunities for Ghanaian students at UVI.”
On the heels of Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan's visit to Ghana earlier this month, UVI is eager to promote its excellent programs in marine sciences, business, public administration, hospitality, tourism, nursing and agriculture, among others. UVI officials noted that this effort supports the University’s broader goal of strengthening international recruitment and creating culturally diverse learning environments that prepare students for careers in a global economy.
For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.
About the University of the Virgin Islands
Founded in 1962, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, co-ed, land-grant, historically black college and university (HBCU) with campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and an online division serving students globally. UVI offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs designed to prepare students for leadership and impact. As the only HBCU outside of the continental U.S., the university is a leading institution of higher learning in the Caribbean committed to academic excellence, student success, research and community engagement. Learn more at www.uvi.edu.
