Thirty years ago, Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) welcomed its first two students from the Eastern Caribbean to campus. Since that time almost 2,000 students from the region have studied at the university. Earlier this semester leaders from MSU Texas and the Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC) finalized a memorandum of understanding that allows for partial credit requirements toward a degree of study at MSU.

“This articulation agreement provides another pathway to study at MSU by allowing for exams to transfer for academic credit,” said Michael Mills, Director of Global Education. “This was an important step in our commitment to helping our Caribbean students meet their academic goals.”

The MOU between the organizations will be in place for five years and will also focus on the areas of curriculum and assessment development, as well as processing, training, research and other technical collaboration.

“We are sensitive to the cost of attendance and the time to degree, and we value the importance of this agreement to improve transferability of course to better serve all of our students,” said MSU Texas Interim President James Johnston. “With this agreement, we also recognize and appreciate the Caribbean Examinations Council® for its exceptional quality and credentials.”

During the virtual signing ceremony, Eduardo Ali, Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO of CXC® said, “As we continue to implement our 2021-2025 strategic plan, our focus is on becoming a digitally transformed enterprise providing quality, relevant, and globally recognized educational services. We are therefore grateful for the insights which MSU can impart, as a result of its illustrious, almost century-long journey in education.”

The Caribbean student delegation represents almost 5% of MSU’s total enrollment, averaging more than 220 students each semester.

Outside of the classroom, students from the Caribbean share the West Indian culture with the MSU Texas community through a number of vibrant events and organizations each year. The annual Caribfest cultural celebration includes a street parade, Caribbean food, rhythms of the steel pan ensemble, and traditional dances.

Many graduates settle in the local community after graduation as teachers, nurses, and engineers, to name a few careers, while others may pursue advanced degrees.