East West University and Marshall University, USA Sign Landmark MoU to Strengthen Global Academic Collaboration
Feb 11, 2026
East West University (EWU), Bangladesh, and Marshall University (MU), USA, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening global academic collaboration in education, research, innovation, and capacity building. The agreement marks a significant milestone in EWU’s internationalization efforts, creating wide-ranging opportunities for students and faculty members across all faculties and academic disciplines.
The MoU was formally signed during a virtual ceremony held on February 9, 2026. Representing East West University were Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, Vice-Chancellor; Professor Dr. Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Dr. Ahmed Wasif Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering. Faculty members from EWU’s Department of Pharmacy were also present, including Professor Dr. Md. Amirul Islam, Chairperson; Professor Dr. Chowdhury Faiz Hossain; and Dr. Rejina Afrin, Associate Professor and an alumna of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy (MUSOP). Marshall University was represented by Professor Dr. Robert Bookwalter, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President; Professor Dr. Eric R. Blough, Dean of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy; and Dr. Zelideth Maria Rivas, Assistant Provost for Global Education.
Under the MoU, EWU and MU will collaborate on a broad range of academic and professional initiatives, including joint research and training programs, faculty and student mobility, preparation of external research funding proposals, consulting and evaluation activities, and the joint organization of international conferences, workshops, and seminars. The agreement also promotes joint publications in high-impact venues and the exchange of academic materials and scholarly resources. Importantly, these initiatives will be pursued through multidisciplinary collaboration, spanning sciences and engineering, health sciences, business, social sciences, and other academic domains at EWU, ensuring inclusive and institution-wide participation.
Alongside the university-level agreement, a specialized academic collaboration has been established between the Marshall University School of Pharmacy and EWU’s Department of Pharmacy. This focused partnership emphasizes collaborative research, faculty and student exchange, and shared access to research infrastructure and facilities. One of the most notable outcomes of this collaboration is the opportunity for eligible EWU students to pursue the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at Marshall University at in-state tuition rates, along with access to merit-based scholarships, significantly enhancing global exposure and future career prospects.
Dr. Zelideth Maria Rivas expressed her appreciation to Dr. Rejina Afrin for her role in initiating the partnership and for choosing Marshall University for her academic journey. She also conveyed optimism that the collaboration would expand to include additional departments and disciplines at Marshall University. Leaders from both institutions expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to deliver tangible academic and research outcomes beginning in the upcoming academic year. The collaboration will be periodically reviewed to ensure sustained impact, academic excellence, and alignment with shared strategic goals.
This MoU not only strengthens pharmacy education and research but also establishes a robust platform for institution-wide global collaboration, reinforcing educational, research, and socio-economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States.
