Lincoln University, University of Missouri System Strengthen Partnership

Memorandum of understanding expands academic collaboration, will enhance international programs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri System President Mun Choi and Lincoln University President Kevin Rome signed a memorandum of understanding today that outlines how the UM System and Lincoln University can enhance their partnership, and benefit students and the economic development of the state.

“Today is a historic day for two institutions that have deep roots in this state and a mutual commitment to providing unparalleled excellence in education, research and service,” Rome said. “I am excited by the potential and possibilities we are setting in motion today—initiatives that will benefit our students, faculty and many friends.”

The agreement is meant to stimulate academic collaboration, including the pursuit of cooperative grants and opportunities for international development.

“The University of Missouri is fortunate to have a long-standing partnership with Lincoln University, which shares our mission to serve the state of Missouri and beyond,” Choi said. “Today’s agreement takes our historic partnership to the next level and will leverage our mutual strengths for the greater good of our state, nation and world.”

The agreement’s objectives include exploring the development of cooperative research activities; enhancing academic collaboration; identifying doctoral opportunities within the UM System for Lincoln instructors; and working together to develop strong international programs in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and other regions.

An advisory board composed of stakeholders from each institution will be formed to facilitate the engagement between the universities. The board will be led by Debra Green, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at Lincoln University, and James K. Scott, interim vice provost for international programs at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The agreement was signed in Young Hall on the Lincoln University campus in Jefferson City.

###

ABOUT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Lincoln University was founded in 1866 by the men of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries and their white officers, for the special benefit of freed African Americans. It is the only institution of higher learning founded by veterans, and the only 1890 land-grant institution in the state of Missouri. Today, Lincoln University's role in the education of Missourians and others and its service to stakeholders throughout the state, the nation and across the globe is well-recognized. Lincoln University continues to serve the needs of its diverse student body through a tradition of offering innovative programs that make the college experience special.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI SYSTEM: The University of Missouri was founded in Columbia in 1839. The university had a single campus until 1870, when the School of Mines and Metallurgy was established in Rolla. In the same year, the university assumed land-grant responsibilities of providing higher education opportunities for all citizens. In 1963, the university expanded by founding a new campus in St. Louis and acquiring the University of Kansas City, creating the present four-campus system. Today, the University of Missouri is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions, with more than 75,000 students, a health care enterprise and a statewide extension program.