NKU forms partnership STEM MBA program with Ghana university

October 28, 2024 - Northern Kentucky University President Dr. Cady Short-Thompson signed an agreement with Academic City University College of Ghana (ACUC), launching a STEM-focused Master of Business Administration partnership program between the two universities through the Haile College of Business.

“This partnership with ACUC is pivotal in our commitment to expanding cross-cultural collaboration in the northern Kentucky region,” says President Cady Short-Thompson. “This opportunity will allow us to enrich the learning experience for both students and educators and enhance our research capabilities at home and overseas.”

The STEM-focused MBA program will include courses taught at both NKU’s campus in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and ACUC’s campus in Haatso, Ghana. The first year of the program will take place at ACUC; then students will complete their remaining credits at NKU’s Highland Heights campus. Following completion of the program, ACUC students will receive a STEM MBA degree from NKU.

“Africa’s aspiration for industrialization demands a new breed of leadership—one that excels in the effective management of resources, embraces informed decision-making and relies on data-driven insights,” says ACUC President Fred McBagonluri. “This partnership with NKU to offer the STEM-MBA is groundbreaking, and the first of its kind in the subregion. Academic City is excited to partner with a world-class institution renowned for its quality education and innovative programs, setting a new standard for leadership development in Africa.”

Numerous studies have shown international students have a significant economic impact on their educational communities and the United States. The NAFSA: Association of International Educators reported that international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed more than $40 billion and supported nearly 400,000 jobs to the U.S. economy during the 2022-2023 academic year.

“The STEM-focused MBA partnership with ACUC is one of many international initiatives NKU maintains to deepen cross-cultural connections and broaden opportunities for students of all backgrounds,” says Dr. Hassan R. HassabElnaby, Dean of the Haile College of Business. “By bringing in new perspectives and skilled workers, we will continue to boost the northern Kentucky economic market and strengthen the workforce in our region.”

NKU’s Haile College of Business maintains academic partnerships with universities in Egypt and India, and the College of Informatics has sustained a successful Master of Cybersecurity dual-degree program with St. Andrews Georgian University in Georgia through four cohorts and counting. To learn more about Academic City University College of Ghana, visit their website at https://acity.edu.gh/