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Building a Sustainable U.S.-Africa Higher Education Partnership: A Case Study of the ÂÜÀòÉç-University of Rwanda Collaboration

This Dissertation in Practice examines how higher education institutions can develop and sustain equitable international partnerships that promote global engagement, and alignment with local and national priorities. Through a reflective case study of the partnership between ÂÜÀòÉç and the University of Rwanda, the study explores the strategies, relationships, and leadership practices that supported the growth of a successful U.S.-Africa higher education collaboration. 

The study found that the partnership's success was driven by several key factors: alignment with Rwanda's educational and workforce development priorities, strong stakeholder engagement across higher education, government, and industry sectors, intentional relationship building, and the presence of a cultural and institutional liaison who could bridge differences between the two countries and their higher education systems. The partnership evolved beyond traditional study abroad initiatives to include academic pathways, faculty collaboration, workforce development programs, research opportunities, and institutional capacity-building efforts. 

The dissertation highlights how international partnerships can move beyond transactional models to create meaningful and mutually beneficial outcomes for students, faculty, institutions, and communities. Findings demonstrate that sustainable partnerships are built on trust, reciprocity, shared goals, and long-term commitment rather than short-term exchanges alone. 

Based on the findings, the study recommends that higher education institutions align partnerships with local and national priorities, engage government and industry stakeholders, invest in culturally competent liaison personnel, expand student and faculty mobility opportunities, and establish governance structures that support long-term sustainability. These recommendations provide a practical framework for universities seeking to develop impactful international partnerships, particularly between institutions in the United States and Africa. 

Ultimately, this Dissertation in Practice offers a model for advancing internationalization through collaboration, reciprocal learning, and shared commitment to educational development, demonstrating how global partnerships can create lasting benefits across institutions, nations, and communities.