National University (ANU) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration aimed at community immersion and global innovation. The agreement will facilitate visits and exchanges between students and faculty of both institutions, enhancing their ability to work across various domains with the goal of solving real-world problems.
Michael Rao, President of VCU, emphasized that the partnership is centered on impactful outcomes, particularly addressing the needs of underserved communities. “We want this to be a partnership focused on impact — exploring all the ways our collaborative efforts can positively affect people, especially those in greatest need,” Rao stated.
Founded in 2016, ANU is a private institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, architecture, and the built environment. VCU, a public research university in Richmond, Virginia, boasts a 186-year history and is ranked among the top 20 most innovative universities by U.S. News and World Report.
The MoU outlines joint ventures in media and entertainment, arts, product design, health research, and entrepreneurship. This collaboration will support faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and entrepreneurship initiatives, fostering academic and professional growth.
ANU’s Provost, Anunaya Chaubey, noted that this partnership aligns with the 2020 National Education Policy’s emphasis on internationalization.
