In October 2024, Global Ties Sacramento proudly hosted 23 higher education professionals from across the globe as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The focus of this visit was “Diversifying University Partnerships,” and the group engaged in vital discussions surrounding diversity, inclusion, and partnerships in U.S. higher education, with particular emphasis on expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Visit to Sacramento State University
A standout moment of the visit was the group’s meeting with Sacramento State President, Dr. J. Luke Wood. During this meeting, the group explored potential collaborations and partnerships between their institutions and Sacramento State. This conversation highlighted the university’s dedication to serving a diverse student body and its ongoing efforts to foster global educational partnerships.
Sacramento State was chosen for this program due to its role as a model of inclusion in higher education. The university is a recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and Black-Serving Institution, as acknowledged by the California State Assembly. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion made it the perfect host for a delegation focused on expanding global educational opportunities.
Sacramento State President, Dr. Luke Wood, warmly welcomes the group to the university.
A Global Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The delegation’s visit to Sacramento State included meetings with the Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development (ORIED), where delegates learned about the university’s initiatives to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship on campus. They also visited key resources like the Dreamer Resource Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, which exemplify Sacramento State’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. These centers partner with local businesses and organizations to offer internships, job training, and cultural programming that help students thrive both academically and professionally.
Representatives from the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED) meet with visitors at Sacramento State.
A visitor from Egypt presents gifts to three student advisors from the Dreamer Resource Center who are part of the DACA program.
Expanding Conversation: Sierra College
In addition to Sacramento State, the delegates visited Sierra College, where they were introduced to the California community college system. Sierra College representatives shared insights into student demographics and local partnerships that promote workforce readiness through internships and job training opportunities.
Building Future Global Educational Partnerships
One of the key outcomes of the IVLP visit was the signing of Memorandums of Cooperation (MOCs) between the visiting institutions and Sacramento State. This significant step formalizes the shared commitment to global collaboration and paves the way for future academic partnerships that will benefit students and communities worldwide.
The visit concluded with a reflection session led by Sarah Olson, Director of Global Partnerships at UC Davis Global Affairs. The session provided delegates an opportunity to reflect on their experiences, exchange ideas for future collaborations, and solidify their commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation in higher education globally.
This impactful IVLP visit not only highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in U.S. higher education but also demonstrated the power of global cooperation in shaping the future of education. As the higher education professionals return to their home institutions, they carry with them new perspectives and opportunities for fostering international collaboration in higher education.