MGA & Waterford Institute In Ireland Formalize Partnership

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 12:00 AM
Categories: Pressroom | School of Arts and Letters | Faculty/Staff | Students

Macon, GA

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Waterford Institute of Technology

A formal partnership between Middle Georgia State University and Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland opens the door to student and faculty exchanges between the two institutions.

In addition, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that leaders of both institutions just signed will create opportunities for joint curriculum development projects, webinars, online programs and conferences, research and more.

“This MOU makes official our great relationship with Waterford Institute as a study abroad destination and research partner,” said Dr. Laura Thomason, English professor and provost fellow for International Programs. “We’re excited to continue building this partnership that has already generated many successful learning experiences over the years.”

The more formal arrangement stems in part from the research collaboration between MGA’s Dr. Troy Spier and Dr. Chris Cairney and Waterford’s Dr. Séamus Dillon. The research has so far centered on the history of Irish language use in the U.S. in general and in Georgia specifically. Last spring, Dillon presented a virtual lecture to MGA students titled Migration, Revival, Inspiration: Irish Language in the USA Pre-1900, which still is available for viewing.

Waterford has six schools and offers programs in business, engineering, science, health sciences, education, and humanities. MGA offers a Maymester study abroad program in health sciences - directed by Dr. Kendra Russell - on the Waterford campus. The University System of Georgia also offers a study abroad program based at Waterford.

The city of Waterford is located in southeast Ireland and is known for being an original site for the production of Waterford fine crystal.

For more information about the partnership, or about study abroad opportunities in general, email Thomason at laura.thomason@mga.edu.