Guilford College President Kyle Farmbry signed a memorandum of understanding with Tawana Kupe, Vice Chancellor (President) of the University of Pretoria, on Feb. 8 that will facilitate exchange opportunities and collaboration between the institutions.

“I’m excited for Guilford students and faculty because this agreement is going to open doors for them that never existed,” noted Kyle. He says the agreement is one of several that the College is working on to enhance the educational experience it offers.

Kyle made the announcement during a seven-day trip to South Africa, where he is participating in the United States-Africa University Partnership Initiative Summit, a U.S. Embassy-sponsored meeting of nearly 200 university officials from the United States and several countries on the African continent. While on the trip, Kyle met with U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety II, several U.S. Embassy officials and leaders from higher education institutions from countries including Nigeria, Botswana, Kenya and Mozambique to discuss educational exchanges.

The agreement allows Guilford and the University of Pretoria, one of South Africa’s largest universities, to partner for work on research and professional development among faculty and staff. 

The University of Pretoria (right) is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest in terms of residential students. The university has an established reputation for producing socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. Guilford students will also be able to spend time at Pretoria through initiatives that will now be set-up as a result of the agreement.

 “I’ve stated from early on that  I think Guilford has a lot to offer not just locally but internationally,” says Kyle. “I also know we have a lot to learn from other institutions. This agreement will benefit both schools.”

Ashley Raper, Special Assistant to the President for Special Projects, accompanied Kyle on the trip. She calls the agreement “a game-changer for Guilford.”

“For years we’ve seen Guilford make its mark locally in our communities and, to a lesser extent, globally, but now we’re expanding our impact. It’s amazing to see Kyle in action and understand why he’s so loved here.”   

Kyle has a personal and professional history of more than 20 years with South Africa, having journeyed numerous times since his first visit in 2002. 

He came to Guilford last year from Rutgers University-Newark, where he had already established ties to the country. In 2017-18, Kyle served as an American Council on Education Fellow, a role that allowed him to help shape the University of Pretoria-Mamelodi Campus’ anchor institution strategy.

In 2009, Kyle was one of 35 people chosen to serve as a Fulbright New Century Scholar. He was engaged in research examining factors of youth entrepreneurial and civic engagement in South Africa.

Over the past two decades he has facilitated numerous exchanges for students and community leaders to visit cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria. “Obviously this country has a special place in my heart,” says Kyle. “My hope is that other members of our Guilford community will have an opportunity to learn about this country, and all of its rich history, as a result of this agreement.”