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GVSU expands global impact: College of Computing meets Tunisian Minister to build academic bridges
March 05, 2025
Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) College of Computing reached a significant milestone in its international engagement efforts with a formal visit to Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The meeting, held in February, positioned GVSU as only the third university to be hosted by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Mondher Belaid, reinforcing the GVSU’s growing influence in the region and its commitment to global collaboration.
The visit culminated in a formal signing ceremony with Minister Belaid, marking the establishment of key academic partnerships and new 1+1 agreements between GVSU and leading Tunisian universities.
“The GVSU Reach Higher vision is unlocking new opportunities to expand the success of the institution at a global scale along with bringing the best talents to serve the industry in the Greater Grand Rapids and beyond. It is an honor to bring this partnership to life and strengthen the academic bridge between Tunisia and the United States as the international perspectives are part of the shared values of Reach Higher,” stated Dean Marouane Kessentini. “Tunisia consistently ranks among the top five countries in the world for graduates in engineering and computing, producing some of the most talented minds in the field. The recognition from Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education is a testament to GVSU’s commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence on a global scale.”
In addition to the Minister’s engagement, the GVSU delegation, comprised of faculty and staff from the College of Computing, Padnos International Center, and Office of Admissions and Recruitment, held strategic meetings with leadership from Université de Carthage and University of Tunis El Manar, two of Tunisia’s most prestigious public universities. GVSU also reinforced its longstanding collaboration with ESPRIT, the country’s top private university, furthering joint efforts in experiential learning, entrepreneurial, and applied research.
“Representing GVSU to prospective international students and institutional partners not only as the College of Computing, but as Grand Valley State University, allowed us to showcase the expansive support network that GVSU offers to our international students,” said Rachel Salinas, Assistant Dean of the College of Computing.
The delegation’s visit also featured the GVSU Computing Open House, drawing over 400 prospective students. The event resulted in on-the-spot admissions for more than 105 students from top Tunisian institutions, with many set to begin their studies at GVSU in Fall 2025.
By strengthening relationships with Tunisia’s top universities and receiving direct recognition from the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, GVSU’s College of Computing is expanding its international presence, fostering academic excellence, and creating new opportunities for students and faculty on a global scale.
Written by Shelby Harrison & Rachel Salinas.