New Orleans, La. - Today, Xavier University of Louisiana was announced as one of three distinguished American universities that has established an innovative Special Relationship Partnership with The University of Manchester (UoM). This landmark collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, diversity, and global engagement. The arrangement will help to enhance the universities’ dedication to international research and teaching with increased engagement with higher education around the globe. UoM is also partnering with Vassar College and Spelman College.

The collaboration from the two sides of the Atlantic is built on the mutual values of the institutions, including the strong emphasis on equity, diversity, social justice and inclusion. Each of the participating higher education centers share a vision of creating a collaborative environment that supports academic growth, mutual learning and meaningful connections.

"Xavier University of Louisiana appreciates the opportunity to partner with the University of Manchester in undertaking joint education projects that will give Xavierites the opportunity to embark on a post- graduate degree at UoM," said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. "Xavier and UoM are both renowned universities, united in their commitment to academic diversity, international collaboration, and the betterment of the world. Through this partnership, Xavier's mission to promote a more just and humane society through the education of our students to become leaders of positive change is further elevated and highlighted on the global stage.”

Current Xavier students or those who have graduated from Xavier within the past two academic years are eligible to apply for the program. Applicants who qualify for a master’s program through the partnership are eligible to apply for any appropriate scholarships offered by UoM.

The University of Manchester will facilitate collaborative research and teaching partnerships by encouraging faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and Global Classrooms initiatives. These endeavors aim to enrich the educational experience for students on a worldwide scale, fostering a sense of global citizenship and interconnectedness.

Professor Dam Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester and Professor Steve Flint, Associate Vice-President for Internationalisation at The University of Manchester jointly stated "Our partnerships with Vassar College, Xavier University, and Spelman College represent a commitment to international collaboration, research excellence, and the creation of a shared teaching and learning environment. These relationships underscore our dedication to promoting academic diversity and fostering global perspectives."

Recently, members of the Xavier honors program, Xavier Exponential, had the opportunity to visit the UoM campus as well as Birmingham City University in September. Dr. Shearon Roberts, Director of Xavier’s Exponential Honors Program, an associate professor of Mass Communication and a faculty member in the university’s African American and Diaspora Studies Program, acted as an advisor and coordinator. After the visit, Dr. Roberts received a reply from the UoM Faculty of Humanities Associate Dean for Internationalisation, Angelia Wilson, who stated, “The students were a real credit to XULA – very impressive, bright and engaged. We look forward to our growing relationship with XULA.”

While in the United Kingdom (UK), the Xavierites were able to meet and speak with several professors in different academic programs at both universities. They were able to learn about the experiences of Black Britons from two prominent Black education activists- Kehinde Andrews, professor of Black Studies, who co-founded the only Black Studies undergraduate and graduate degree program at Birmingham City, and Tyrone Smith, founder of the Boukman Academy, an education platform and online school that teaches Black history, politics, psychology and sociology.

Brier Evans, a mass communications senior and a member of Xavier Exponential, created a video detailing their travels that can be viewed here.