USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra and Universidad del Norte Rector Adolfo Meisel Roca
at a signing ceremony renewing the academic transfer agreement and partnership between
the two universities.The University of South Florida and Universidad del Norte (UniNorte) in Barranquilla, Colombia, have formed a rich and dynamic partnership that has endured for over three decades. Since their collaboration began in 1993, the two institutions have worked closely to strengthen academic programs, exchange knowledge, and foster cultural understanding. Today, this enduring connection, one of USF’s longest such partnerships, continues to create new opportunities for students, faculty, and the communities they impact.
Recently, Universidad del Norte celebrated the 28th edition of Cátedra Europa (Global Forum), the most important academic and cultural event in the Colombian Caribbean and a key international networking event for universities in Colombia. USF proudly joined its partner in a vibrant celebration, where a delegation led by Provost Dr. Prasant Mohapatra came together to strengthen and advance their growing partnership.
New initiatives were explored, including expanded opportunities for collaborative research on coastal resiliency and oceanography. The delegation also explored new academic transfer programs in biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computing. They also discussed innovative models of transnational education.
During the visit, USF delegates hosted multiple information sessions to meet the demand for prospective students interested in academic transfer opportunities for undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 100 students attended the sessions.
Over the past 32 years, a simple exchange has evolved into a comprehensive partnership encompassing academic transfer agreements, research initiatives, faculty collaboration, and student mobility.
Another highlight for the USF visitors was the opportunity to connect with university alumni during their visit. They met more than a dozen UniNorte faculty members and administrators who earned their doctoral degrees at USF and are now shaping their departments and the institution’s future.
The USF-UniNorte partnership took shape just as global engagement was becoming a shared strategic priority. Over the past 32 years, a simple exchange has evolved into a comprehensive partnership encompassing academic transfer agreements, research initiatives, faculty collaboration, and student mobility. From the beginning, both institutions have shared a mission to prepare globally minded graduates.
Founded in 1966, UniNorte is a leading private university in Barranquilla, Colombia’s largest Caribbean port city and a hub of commerce, innovation, and culture. USF, established a decade earlier in 1956, shares a similar commitment to student success and regional impact, fueling talent for high-demand industries and driving economic growth in their respective regions. These shared values form the foundation of their enduring partnership.
USF leadership held sold-out information sessions for UniNorte students interested
in studying at USF.One of the latest examples of collaboration has been through our nursing program. A milestone occurred in 2024 as USF’s College of Nursing and UniNorte launched exchange programs. These initiatives send students and faculty to diverse healthcare environments, such as Uninorte’s Hospital (HUN), providing crucial, hands-on experience on why cultural understanding is essential for tackling today's global health challenges. For example, USF nursing students recently spent 10 days in Barranquilla working directly with UniNorte faculty and local clinicians, gaining clinical experience essential for addressing regional global health challenges.
The partnership between USF and UniNorte is not limited to academics. Tampa and Barranquilla have been sister cities since 1966, and cultural programming has played a significant role in strengthening ties. Events like “Colombia Day” at USF provide opportunities for the wider Tampa Bay community to celebrate Colombian heritage and deepen understanding. The USF-UniNorte partnership also reflects the university’s broader strategy of building integrated global networks, such as USF Network Colombia, to ensure that international collaboration delivers clear benefits for students, faculty, alumni and partner institutions alike. “USF’s partnership with UniNorte spans thirty years and has evolved to meet the needs of our students and faculty. Both of our institutions are committed to the sustainability of the partnership and to new avenues for cooperation,” said USF World’s Vice President Dr. Kiki Caruson.
The success of this partnership serves as a model for how universities can work together across borders to address global challenges while enriching their local communities.
USF delegates enjoyed the Catedra Europa opening concert EuroCaribe with music and
dance performances by UniNorte students and faculty.Currently, the partnership comprises 12 Academic Transfer Agreements involving 11 undergraduate programs from the Colleges of Engineering, Business, and Arts and Sciences, and one graduate transfer agreemencont in the College of Education. These agreements have allowed UniNorte students to earn degrees from USF, while many USF students have visited UniNorte through short-term programs, semester exchanges, faculty-led experiences, clinical rotations, and language immersion opportunities. Graduates now work at companies such as Cummins Inc., Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Intel Corporation, and Dell Technologies. While the majority return to work in Colombia, 240 alumni are employed in the United States and in 119 other countries, including Australia, Spain, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Chile, Venezuela, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
There are currently 25 UniNorte students at USF pursuing degrees in Engineering, Psychology, Communications, and Business.