From left: USM Dean of Academics Dr. Rolinda Carter, USM President Antonio Carmona Baez, AUC Executive Dean Dr. Heidi Chumley, and NIPA Director Sergio Blomont.
AUC has entered into a partnership with the University of St. Martin (USM) and the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) for institutional collaboration in the areas of support in education and research, community service, the development of public policy, and voluntary sharing of resources in post-secondary, tertiary, and higher education for the benefit and well-being of St. Maarten.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding, AUC, USM, and NIPA will pursue mutual interests in a number of areas important to St. Maarten, and join to discuss issues of common concern and plan collective activities.
"By coordinating our efforts in the community, we will promote the health and well-being of the island’s population on everything from public service and sustainable development to disease prevention and post-disaster recovery," said Sergio Blomont, NIPA Director.
The institutions plan to raise awareness on key public health issues; plan together for times of natural disasters; share resources to benefit our faculties, staff and students; and engage the government and key stakeholders in healthy dialogue to advance public policies and foster a culture of peace, equity and care for the environment.
“We’re excited to have such esteemed partners in University of St. Martin and National Institute for Professional Advancement as we join to work together in those areas of joint interest for our institutions and our communities," said Heidi Chumley, MD, MBA, Executive Dean at AUC. "While these efforts no doubt help strengthen our institutions and the education community, they’ll contribute to the greater St. Maarten community as we look at ways to better prepare for disasters, address public health concerns such as disease prevention, and help guide public policy to foster innovation. AUC looks forward to continuing to contribute to the community and people of St. Maarten who have always shown us, our students, faculty and staff, such a warm welcome."