Education Dean Donna Kotsopoulos holds a copy of the memorandum of understanding with Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí.
The launch of an international relationship
Western Education has a new friend in Ecuador.
The Faculty of Education has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí (UNESUM).
During a virtual signing ceremony with UNESUM officials in June, Education Dean Donna Kotsopoulos said the new relationship will allow for an unprecedented level of cooperation between Western University and the Ecuadorian university.
“We understand that your great institution is well-matched to the kinds of programs and goals that we have, particularly here at the Faculty of Education as we strive to make greater impact in the world through teachers and education,” Kotsopoulos said.
“Thank you very much for your trust and your confidence in this partnership, and we look forward to many years of productive collaborations.”
Those collaborations may include joint degrees, joint courses, faculty exchange, fellowships, the exchange of materials, capacity building initiatives, visiting faculty, staff or graduate students, as well as the co-hosting of lectures, meetings, seminars, symposia and conferences.
The MOU aligns with the Faculty’s commitment to recognizing education’s place in the world, as outlined in Western Education’s current strategic plan.
Also on the call were Dr. Diego Sornoza-Parrales and UNESUM Rector Dr. Blanca Indacochea Ganchozo. Kotsopoulos gave thanks to Sornoza-Parrales, who initiated the conversations that eventually led to the MOU.
“He completed his doctorate at the Faculty of Education at Western and it was because of the experience he had here that he felt confident in furthering the kind of relationships that we hope to have,” Kotsopoulos said.
Speaking through an interpreter, Indacochea Ganchozo said she hopes to see Western Education members soon visit the Ecuadorian university. She’s also planning her own trip to Canada.
