Huntington Times

Marshall University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in the Republic of Ireland. This partnership was formalized at the end of July, marking a new chapter in international collaboration between the two institutions. The MOU, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s IDEAS (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students) grant, builds on Marshall University’s ongoing efforts to expand its study abroad capacity and foster global engagement.

The grant, announced earlier this year, also facilitates partnerships with BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BCTC) and is instrumental in creating new opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and shared academic initiatives.

Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan, president of Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), emphasized the significance of this collaboration.

“This memorandum of understanding will enable the expansion of collaborations in program development, student exchange and research,” O’Callaghan said. “We are excited to advance this strategic engagement with Marshall University and I believe this partnership will enhance our students’ education.”

The partnership with DkIT is particularly timely as the institute is currently engaged in discussions to form a Technological University in collaboration with Maynooth University. This initiative aims to strengthen the educational landscape in Ireland and create new pathways for collaboration with international partners like Marshall University.

Dr. Brian Hoey, dean of the Honors College at Marshall University, highlighted the new opportunities that arise from this agreement.

“Our agreement with Dundalk Institute of Technology opens exciting new opportunities for West Virginia students, particularly with support from the IDEAS grant,” Hoey said. “This collaboration will enhance our capacity to offer transformative study abroad experiences, beginning with a faculty-led program to Ireland in early summer 2025. Next month, we will begin recruiting students from both Marshall University and BridgeValley Community and Technical College for this unique program.”

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is a leading higher education institution in the Republic of Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. DkIT is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement and is actively involved in national and international collaborations.

“The focus will be on developing global competencies and intercultural understanding, particularly for students in STEM and business disciplines,” Hoey said. “Forging this partnership illustrates our commitment to expanding access to global education, ensuring our students are equipped with the skills and perspectives necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world while offering our partners in Ireland an invaluable opportunity to strengthen their own international engagement.”

For more information on the IDEAS grant and Marshall University’s global initiatives, visit State Department IDEAS Program awards Marshall grant.