USF expands global reach through new partnership in the Dominican Republic

The University of South Florida is strengthening its international presence through a new academic partnership with universities in the Dominican Republic, backed by a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.

USF faculty members Dinorah Martinez-Tyson, a professor in the College of Public Health, and Molly Hamm-Rodriguez, an assistant professor in the College of Education, are leading the initiative in collaboration with Manuel Colomé of the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo. The project is funded through the Dominican-U.S. Higher Education Network Building Initiative, which aims to foster cross-border academic collaboration and exchange.

The partnership builds on USF's ongoing engagement in the region following a July 2024 visit by Martinez-Tyson and Hamm-Rodriguez to explore potential collaborations with Dominican academic leaders.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to build on our previous work in the Dominican Republic," said Martinez-Tyson. "This initiative not only allows us to continue meaningful work in the DR but also build new collaborations for enhancing research, education, and global engagement that will benefit faculty and students in both countries."

The effort brings together faculty from across USF's Colleges of Public Health, Arts and Sciences, Education, and Medicine, as well as USF Health International, Salud Latina, and USF World. The interdisciplinary team aims to tackle complex global challenges, promote cultural exchange, and develop innovative academic solutions.

The initiative has two primary goals: to create networking opportunities and identify collaborative projects between USF and Dominican universities, and to build long-term partnerships that enhance research and global engagement for faculty and students.

"We look forward to working with our partners to address internationalization through work that supports partner initiatives in both countries," said Hamm-Rodriguez. "It encourages students from all backgrounds to participate in globally engaged learning and research."

Earlier this May, the U.S. Embassy and the Universidad del Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (UNICDA) launched the Higher Education Working Group, a new platform to promote bilateral academic cooperation. The event brought together members of the Dominican University Internationalization Network (RIUD-ADRU), including university rectors and leaders in internationalization.

At the launch, USF and UASD unveiled the first project under the initiative: "Strengthening Academic Alliances between the United States and the Dominican Republic." The 18-month program will include faculty exchanges, workshops, and collaborative activities, guided by the American Council on Education's Comprehensive Internationalization Framework.

The program begins with a participatory assessment of internationalization efforts at Dominican universities. During the launch event, university leaders engaged in roundtable discussions to identify shared challenges and opportunities for future collaboration.

Chelsia Hetrick, public affairs counselor at the U.S. Embassy, underscored the strategic value of academic mobility in her opening remarks.

"Today, we are brought together by a shared vision: that of strengthening academic ties between our countries to build a more prosperous, stronger, and more connected future," said Hetrick. "Academic mobility not only transforms lives; it also boosts economies."

According to the Institute of International Education, more than 1,500 Dominican students studied in the United States during the 2023–2024 academic year, with Florida being one of the top destinations.

Ramón Sosa, executive director of the Dominican American Cultural Institute and rector of UNICDA, praised the initiative for expanding international opportunities and fostering long-term impact within university communities.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to building a sustainable academic ecosystem between the two nations.