UW-River Falls Signs Collaborative Agreement with Virginia State University

Dec. 10, 2012— On Dec. 3, a delegation from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) visited Virginia State University (VSU) to sign a collaborative agreement between the two universities. The agreement creates the opportunity for a broad range of collaborative efforts including faculty and staff exchange, study abroad programs, research, and experiential learning opportunities.  

"The relationship we are building between Virginia State University and UW-River Falls is unique within higher education," said UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen.  "VSU President Keith Miller and I are committed to supporting a sustainable relationship that will provide meaningful learning opportunities for the students, faculty and staff of both institutions." 

VSU is a historically black, land-grant university located near Petersburg, Va. VSU was founded in 1882 and currently enrolls 5,300 students. 

The agreement identifies several academic programs in which collaborations will occur. These areas include: animal and dairy science; aquaculture; plant, soil and environmental sciences; agricultural business and economics; agricultural education; horticulture; health and human performance; and other academic programs as appropriate.  In addition to academic programs, programming through Global Connections and the National Student Exchange will provide additional opportunities for enhancing student experiences on both campuses. 

"This agreement provides a significant opportunity for CAFES faculty, staff, and students to experience both the similarities as well as the differences that exist in the VSU School of Agriculture as well as in the agricultural industry in Virginia," said Dale Gallenberg, dean of the UWRF College of Agriculture Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES).  "Sharing across these similarities and differences will enrich student experiences and allow for meaningful collaborations and exchanges in education, research, and other programs." 

Along with Van Galen and Gallenberg, the UW-River Falls delegation included Larry Solberg, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies; Andriel Dees, UWRF's chief diversity officer; and Carolyn Brady, international outreach and incoming student exchange coordinator. Dees and Brady played a critical role in laying the groundwork for the agreement. 

For more information, contact Blake Fry, UWRF special assistant to the chancellor, at 715-425-3711 or blake.fry@uwrf.edu.  

Photo: Virginia State University President Keith Miller (left) and UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen sign a memorandum of understanding between their two institutions during a signing ceremony at Virginia State University on Dec. 3.