UNM, University of the West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda, forge strategic partnership

In an exciting development aimed at promoting cross-cultural learning and global engagement, The University of New Mexico (UNM) and The University of the West Indies (UWI), Antigua and Barbuda, recently created a new partnership designed to expand immersion opportunities for students at both institutions.

The program, in collaboration with UNM's African American Student Services (AAAS), aims to deepen students' connections to the African diaspora and broaden their global perspectives. It will introduce UNM students to the rich cultural, historical, and social environments of Antigua and Barbuda, while UWI students will encounter the unique socio-historical and multi-cultural aspects of New Mexico.

This new partnership comes at a pivotal moment, responding to the increasing demand for more inclusive and globally aware academic opportunities for Black students.

"We are excited to partner with the University of the West Indies in Antigua and Barbuda and are in the early stages of building a co-curricular study abroad program in which students can engage in academic and service-learning opportunities through a two-week summer immersion program," said UNM African American Student Services Director Brandi Stone. "We recognize that Black students want to pursue study abroad opportunities but often face financial barriers. As a result, this co-curricular study abroad program will require fundraising efforts to help support expanding students' access."

"The collaboration constitutes an exciting new chapter for UNM's internationalization. I share Director Stone's enthusiasm for this program because historically, we haven't had many student mobility options in the region," said Todd Karr, director of Education Abroad and National Exchange. "I believe this experience will be particularly interesting for Black and Afro-Latinx students at UNM, given the cultural diversity and complex history of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora."

Looking Ahead
As the partnership grows, the two institutions seek to expand the initiative's scope by opening options for faculty-led programming and student research opportunities, fostering an even broader global network of students committed to academic excellence and cultural exchange. Those interested in making a financial contribution to support student mobility to the region can donate to the African American Student Services general fund at the UNM Foundation by searching for African American Student Services or donating here.

Students are encouraged to visit our website program brochure for more information about the study abroad program or to apply.

For more information, contact Brandi Stone, director of African American Student Services, via email at [email protected] or Todd Karr, Ph.D., director of Education Abroad, at [email protected].