Tuskegee, Ala. — (January 18, 2006) — Tuskegee University welcomed international visitors last week to discuss a collaboration that would build on the school’s already worldwide legacy.

Officials from American University of Antigua including University President Neal S. Simon and former Tuskegee University professor Dr. Olusegun Dipeolu visited the College Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health to develop ideas to incorporate a school of veterinary medicine at American University of Antigua.

Still relatively new, American University of Antigua College of Medicine was first initiated in 2001 and began offering classes two-and-half years ago. This would be an important educational step for the school since there is a dire need for veterinarians in the Caribbean, according Dr. Dipelou.

“About 50 to 60 percent of the veterinarians that are in Antigua now are from Tuskegee,” Dr. Dipelou said. “When our college decided to get into veterinary medicine, we needed a university that had been active in developing in other areas of the world such as Africa and Asia.”

American University of Antigua’s proposal explores the possibility of a joint effort between the school and Tuskegee to develop programs in veterinary medicine, nursing, allied health and liberal arts at the Caribbean institution.

The proposal would call for students at American University of Antigua to begin course studies at the school and completing their last two years at Tuskegee University. Students would walk away with a degree from Tuskegee.

“I’m excited about it because a part of the duties of the office of International Programs here at Tuskegee is the internationalization of our campus,” said Dr. Eloise Carter, director of International Programs. “I think this is another step in that direction. If we are able to bring students from Antigua to Tuskegee, it helps in the area of diversity. Helping our students as it states in the mission of the university, to become world-class citizens.”

After reaching an agreement with Tuskegee, officials have headed back to Antigua to begin the process of submitting a proposal.

“Dr. Tsgaye Habtemarium, the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, took the responsibility of calling faculty to be available to meet with Mr. Neal and Dr. Dipelou on their first day back to the university. It was only through the dean’s effort that we were able to bring faculty in veterinary medicine together,” said Dr. Carter.

© Copyright 2003 - 2006 Tuskegee University and WorldNow. All Rights Reserved.