In a progressive move underlining its aspiration to become a top global University, LPU Phagwara signed MoU with four prominent Universities from USA, heralding a new chapter in University’s spread of global linkages. LPU signed Memorandum of Understanding with Iowa State University (ISU), University of Iowa (UI), University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and Kirkwood Community College (KCC). The MoUs are cornered on the intent of increased cooperation between the partner Universities in the field of strengthening research & development activities. Besides that, the agreement seeks to promote quality education & boost research culture amongst students of respective countries by conceivable academic, cultural, extracurricular and other collaborative projects/assignments.

The MoU was signed during visit of 21 member delegation from IOWA State. The delegation has been so far the biggest delegation from US to visit Punjab. The delegation which included the Secretary of Agriculture from IOWA, senator, academicians and industrialists had a very good discussion with the University’s Chancellor and Vice Chancellor on various sectors to co-operate. LPU has been a traditional front runner in expanding international linkages during the past decade; and the signing of these MoUs illustrates further spurt of the University in this direction. Already the University has signed MoUs with more than 40 Universities based in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore etc.

The Memorandum signed with ISU, UI, UNI and KCC address diverse aspects of mutual cooperation viz. students’ exchange, academic & administrative personnel exchange, developing research proposals, developing collaborative degree programs allowing students to undertake part of the program/course of study at each institution. MoUs are also for conducting Joint symposia, seminars/conferences, workshops etc. In addition, exchange of academic information & materials, promoting academic, cultural, sports, co-curricular, social, community development and other activities of common interest, promoting entrepreneurship, start-up projects, short duration Study India/Abroad Programs etc will also be undertaken.

Mr. Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, LPU in his address to the delegates of visiting Universities said, “LPU has chalked out an ambitious plan to emerge as one of the top 200 Universities of the World in coming five years.  The University aims to partner along with reputed Universities from across the globe, and the MoUs signed today is a step towards the direction.” Among those present from partner Universities were Dr. Jonathan Adam Wickert (Senior Vice President and Provost, ISU), Dr. Patrick Barry Butler (Executive Vice President and Provost, UI), Dr. Gloria J. Gibson (Executive Vice President and Provost, UNI) and Mr. Steven James Ovel (Associate Vice President Government Relations, KCC). The cooperation between the Universities is likely to advance research in diverse fields, agriculture, engineering, pharmacy, business & education. This is pertinent to mention that LPU also facilitated meeting of the delegation with S Prakash Singh Badal, CM Punjab, yesterday where discussion regarding sister to sister ties between both states were discussed.

Senior Vice President and Provost of Iowa State University, Dr. Jonathan Adam Wickert in his address said, “LPU is a bright representative of the increasing might of Indian higher education scenario. Indisputably, LPU is one the Indian Universities whose functioning is aligned with the practices and system followed in developed countries in West, especially USA. For us, it is an ideal choice to get along with, in our pursuit to bring our academic expertise and experience to India.”