Pictured, from left, Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) Director Professor Jivko Draganov and Delta State President William N. LaForge sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a cooperative agreement framework between Delta State University and The University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, Bulgaria. CLEVELAND, Miss.—A recent collaboration with Delta State University and The University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, Bulgaria, has resulted in a new program of courses available to students at both universities as early as this fall.
Delta State President William N. LaForge initiated discussions and plans with officials at UNWE to collaborate with its Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) in offering a program of courses in a number of disciplines that would result in students and practitioners earning a professional development certificate.
As a result of several planning meetings at UNWE, President LaForge and IPS Director Professor Jivko Draganov signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the cooperative agreement framework between the two universities. The agreement sets out a three-year timeframe to establish the new program.
“I am very pleased to continue our excellent collaborative relationship with our partner university, UNWE, to establish this new professional certificate program,” said President LaForge. “The courses of study will open new doors for those enrolled, and the credential earned by those completing the unique courses of study will enhance their professional standing and marketability.”
Delta State has enjoyed a multi-year general collaborative agreement with UNWE, and there has been an exchange of faculty members through that relationship. President LaForge has been a visiting professor in the UNWE law school on three previous occasions.
The new program, which is tentatively slated to begin in the fall of 2022, will be available to traditional and non-traditional students at both universities, including for those individuals who hold a university degree, but wish to change career direction or sharpen their skills in a particular field.
Under the new agreement, potential fields of study may include commercial supply chain logistics, geospatial information systems, business and cultural entrepreneurship, recreation management, sports management and business administration. Other disciplines and opportunities will be available and announced as the program develops.
Depending on the subject matter, courses would be offered in short form structures such as 2-4 weeks, or in longer terms of study up to one year. Course content delivery would be a blend of online and in-person format, with on-campus experiences available through both universities. Faculty from both universities would engage in teaching assignments.
Specific program information will be announced later in the year.
For questions or more information, contact Dr. Christy Riddle, executive director of International Student Services and the Student Success Center at Delta State, at criddle@deltastate.edu or (662) 846-4336.
