The University of Regina and Howard University (Washington, D.C.) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize a five-year partnership aimed at expanding international learning and research opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions.
As a top-tier Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Howard University offers significant academic and research expertise. It holds the prestigious Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, signifying the highest level of research activity making it the only HBCU to achieve this designation. With a 157-year history of civic leadership, Howard University continues to be a driving force for democracy, intellectual engagement, and social advocacy.
"We're proud to collaborate with Howard University an institution with a remarkable legacy of academic excellence as we work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students and faculty to collaborate, learn, and lead on an international level," says Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Executive Strategic Advisor, Director of the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET) at the University of Regina, the Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre (Tier II), and a 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow.
This partnership lays the groundwork for a range of joint initiatives, including educational and research activities, the exchange of academic materials and publications, and reciprocal opportunities for students and faculty to engage in study, research, lectures, and discussions.
Dr. Chris Yost, Vice-President (Research) at the University of Regina, says this new partnership with Howard University, a globally impactful institution with an outstanding research reputation, helps establish exciting opportunities for the University of Regina's research enterprise.
"This agreement creates new pathways for collaboration, discovery, and global engagement for our students and faculty, while also reflecting our commitment to fostering innovative research and cross-cultural learning that drives meaningful change," says Yost.
"This newly established relationship is encouraging as it will allow artists and scholars from both institutions to engage in cross-cultural dialogue that inspires students to create international, collaborative works," says Dr. Khalid Y. Long, Associate Dean for Research and Creative Endeavors in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.
In particular, the partnership is expected to strengthen cross-cultural engagement through the arts.
"These experiences prepare our students to gain new skills and techniques to thrive in the competitive performing arts industry," says Denise Saunders Thompson, Assistant Dean for Administration for Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. "This partnership will further elevate innovative opportunities for our theatre students, and it will provide a dynamic cultural exchange of ideas."
"This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in advancing socially engaged theatre and expanding a global academic presence for both institutions," adds Nikkole Salter, Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at Howard University. This partnership offers space to plan for potential faculty exchange from the Faculty of Media, Art and Performance to Howard University, Spring 2026 in the Departments of Theatre Arts and Music, and the Office of Choirs and Bands.
Together, the University of Regina and Howard University look forward to building connections that inspire learning, advance discovery, and drive meaningful change for years to come.
