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The Center of Excellence for Research and Program Innovation at Voorhees University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Establish International Collaborative Research Agreement

DENMARK, S.C. — The Center of Excellence for Research and Program Innovation (CERPI) at Voorhees University, has formally entered into a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a leading public research university in Kenya. This strategic international partnership establishes a framework for long-term, collaboration in research, education, training, and knowledge dissemination.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, building research capacity, and addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary and cross-continental collaboration. By leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions, the partnership aims to enhance academic excellence while contributing to societal development in the United States, Kenya, and beyond.

CERPI at Voorhees University and JKUAT will collaborate in priority areas including science, technology, health, engineering, environmental science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biomedical research, interdisciplinary research projects, and the development of innovative solutions to shared challenges.

A central component of the agreement is its emphasis on education and capacity development. Planned initiatives include academic staff training, faculty and student exchanges, joint online courses with accredited certification, internships, shared use of research infrastructure, and the organization of joint conferences, seminars, and workshops. These activities are designed to foster global knowledge exchange, enhance workforce development, and expand opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions.

“This agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening international research collaboration and expanding access to high-impact research and training opportunities,” said Dr. Zhabiz Golkar, Professor, Founder, and Executive Director of CERPI at Voorhees University. “Together with JKUAT, we are building a platform that supports research excellence, capacity building, and meaningful global engagement.”
This collaboration underscores Voorhees University’s continued commitment to global engagement, research innovation, and the preparation of students and faculty to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

For more information, please contact Dr. Zhabiz Golkar at zgolkar@voorhees.edu.

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About Voorhees University:  Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org)

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