A landmark visit by a delegation of 10 senior leaders and faculty members from three U.S. community colleges to Ho Technical University (HTU) has opened new avenues for international academic collaboration and student mobility between Ghana and the United States.
The programme was conceptualized and facilitated by the Hilltop Global Group, a Washington D.C.-based Africa-focused strategic advisory and education consulting firm. Hilltop specializes in helping U.S. universities and colleges develop and execute internationalization strategies with a focus on Africa, with the goal of increasing the proportion of U.S. outbound academic programmes engaging with the continent.
The Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TNCIS), under the direction of Tracey Conner Bradley, Executive Director of the Consortium and Assistant Vice Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, and Felicia Hankins, Programme Coordinator at TNCIS, worked closely with Hilltop Global to conceptualize and deliver the programme.
Mr. Philip S. Agbeko, FULBRIGHT SPECIALIST & CEO, HILLTOP GLOBAL GROUP.
The delegation included Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, President of Nashville State Community College, Dr. Larry Anthony Wise Jr., President of Pellissippi State Community College and Dr. Michael Boyd, Chief of Administrative Services at Southwest Tennessee Community College, along with faculty members from various academic disciplines.
Mr. Phil S. Agbeko, Fulbright Specialist and CEO of Hilltop Global Group, played a pivotal role in designing and leading the initiative. “This visit is a direct result of Hilltop’s commitment to bridging higher education partnerships between Africa and the U.S.,” Mr. Agbeko stated. “During my time as a Fulbright Specialist at HTU, I saw the immense potential for collaboration. We are thrilled to see this vision come to life, fostering student exchanges, faculty collaborations, and global learning experiences.”
The Vice-Chancellor of HTU, Prof. Ben Honyenuga, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the university’s commitment to attracting U.S. students, particularly those of African descent interested in pursuing bachelor’s degree programmes in Ghana. “HTU offers a unique opportunity for students from the African diaspora seeking an immersive Ghanaian education while benefiting from our globally competitive programmes,” he said.
Prof. Honyenuga also noted that HTU’s wide range of programmes aligns with those of U.S. community colleges, creating a strong foundation for cooperation in skills training, joint research, and faculty development. He stressed that the partnerships will promote economic mobility, workforce development, and deeper cultural exchanges.
The visiting U.S. community college leaders expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations, recognizing the mutual benefits of fostering international engagement.
Dr. Shanna Jackson stated, “We share similar missions, and this visit confirms the alignment of our programmes and institutional goals.”
Dr. Larry Anthony Wise Jr. underscored the opportunities in student exchange programmes, virtual learning initiatives, and faculty training, noting, “This is an opportunity to create meaningful, long-term engagement between our institutions.”
For Dr. Michael Boyd, the visit was particularly meaningful, marking his first experience on the African continent. “I feel very encouraged about the potential partnerships we can build here. The experience has been incredibly inspiring,” he remarked.
This initiative marks a major step toward strengthening U.S.-Africa academic ties, with HTU and the visiting community colleges now poised to develop formal agreements that will expand student mobility, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research opportunities.
