LCU inks int’l partnership

July 22, 2019
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Louisiana Christian University signs
international partnership

by Norm Miller

PINEVILLE, La. (LCUNews)–Louisiana Christian University President Dr. Rick Brewer signed a memorandum of understanding for academic partnership with Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, UK.

After four days of meetings with more than 20 academic leaders at the 175-year-old institution, Brewer and LHU’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Gerald Pillay signed the covenantal document in Pillay’s office July 18.

“As a faith-based institution, Liverpool Hope University is an international standard-bearer for the integration of faith and learning,” Brewer said. “I anticipate a long and fruitful relationship with this institution, which shares our academic convictions and worldview.”

Pillay said Louisiana Christian University “shares the same values and academic educational philosophy of our university. It was a joy to meet President Brewer and to build bridges between us.” He also noted “the splendid work at Louisiana Christian University” and his desire to “find ways to collaborate between Louisiana and Liverpool. We look to the future with much anticipation.”

Brewer met with the leaders of several academic disciplines while exploring avenues of cooperation and academic exchange. “Everyone expressed genuine interest in our goals to send students to the UK and to have Liverpool Hope students come to our campus as well.” Both institutions expressed interest in professorial exchanges.

The MOU acknowledges the institutions’ “common mission as two Church foundations committed to making a difference to our societies,” and further states: “We are committed to finding opportunities of working together institutionally and to fostering collaboration between our communities. Students and scholars from both our countries will be enriched by cooperating with each other.”

The covenant encourages mutual academic exchange by:

  • Promoting institutional collaboration by staff in joint teaching and research projects;
  • Exchanging academic information and publications;
  • Fostering internationalization through student mobility; and,
  • Undertaking other related activities linked to our Missions.

Though no plans are yet final, of particular interest initially is LHU’s inaugural Maymester 2020, which would offer two or three weeks of study abroad for Louisiana Christian University honors students.

“Maymesters are a staple at Louisiana Christian University, and we would be elated to participate in Liverpool Hope’s very first one,” Brewer said.

LCU and LHU are members of the Atlanta-based Consortium for Global Education, which facilitates cooperation among international academic institutions.

“Liverpool Hope University has been providing a semester study abroad program for CGE students and has hosted many CGE member groups on their campus,” said Carolyn Bishop, CGE president. “Dr. Pillay has spoken at CGE annual meetings.”

“Beyond offering an opportunity for our honors students to study abroad, this partnership broadens on a global scale our Vision of Preparing Graduates and Transforming Lives,” Brewer said. “And it helps fulfill our Lord’s desire that we be salt and light to a world that needs the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

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