News
GVSU welcomes Université de Carthage President in continued partnership effort
June 05, 2025
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the College of Computing
continue to build momentum with its international partnership with
Université de Carthage, Tunisia. In late May, President Nadia Mzoughi
Aguir visited GVSU for the first time, marking an important step
forward in this collaboration between institutions. During her visit,
President Mzoughi Aguir met with GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella,
College of Computing Dean Marouane Kessentini, faculty and staff from
across the university, and J-1 scholars from Université de Carthage
currently conducting research at GVSU. This reinforces the shared
commitment to global learning and research.
"At Grand Valley, we believe global partnerships are
foundational to preparing students to lead in a connected world,”
stated President Philomena V. Mantella. “Our work with Université de
Carthage exemplifies our commitment to cross-cultural learning,
scholarship, and community impact."
Established earlier this year through the College of Computing,
this partnership has already seen significant success. By this fall,
more than sixty students from Université de Carthage, ESPRIT
University, and the University of Tunis - El Manar are expected to
join GVSU, reflecting the continued growth and strength of these
international relationships.
“Our partnership with Université de Carthage exemplifies the
spirit of Reach Higher 2025 by creating empowered, globally minded
learning experiences and also our strategic planning to grow research
and attract, train and retain talents in West Michigan,” said Marouane
Kessentini, Dean of the College of Computing. “Through collaborative
research, cultural exchange, and student mobility, we are advancing
holistic excellence and preparing learners to lead with impact in a
global digital economy."
Malek Garrach, a current J-1 scholar from Université de Carthage,
is one of many success stories. “From the beginning, I felt welcomed
by the GVSU community,” he said. “The supportive environment and
meaningful research opportunities motivated me to continue my studies
here beyond my J-1 period.”
During her visit, President Mzoughi Aguir also connected with
faculty from GVSU’s Department of Modern Languages and Literature
(MLL). Together, they began exploring new academic pathways for GVSU
students studying French and Arabic to pursue opportunities at
Université de Carthage, further expanding cultural and educational
exchange between the institutions.
“MLL has partnered with institutions from around the world, but
rarely have we encountered a college president so eager to meet and
collaborate,” stated Janel Pettes Guikema, Chair of MLL. “We’re very
excited about the opportunities this will bring for our students!”
Written by Shelby Harrison, director of marketing and
communications for the College of Computing.