The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) this week continued to broaden opportunities for Caymanian students through its expanding network of global partnerships, welcoming a delegation from Loyola University New Orleans for a second official visit aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening pathways to international degrees and career advancement.
This visit builds upon a landmark partnership established in 2025, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding and articulation agreement that together provide a structured framework for student mobility, academic collaboration, and seamless degree progression.
Under the existing agreement, UCCI students are afforded the opportunity to complete two years of study locally before transferring to Loyola to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree—offering a carefully structured and cost-effective pathway to an internationally recognised qualification.
The Loyola delegation—visiting on Wednesday, 22 April 2026—included Dr Heather Munns, Executive Director of Loyola Online, and Dr Robert Savoie, Dean of the College of Business. The visit comprised meetings with the Ministry of Education, as well as substantive discussions with the Acting President and CEO, the Provost, UCCI faculty, and the School of Nursing, in addition to a series of media engagements.
Discussions centred on advancing the implementation of existing agreements, expanding academic programme pathways, and enhancing awareness of flexible learning options and scholarship opportunities available at Loyola.
UCCI Acting President and CEO Ms Nanalie Cover stated, “At UCCI, our priority is to cultivate meaningful and accessible pathways that empower students to excel within an increasingly interconnected global environment. This partnership with Loyola University New Orleans is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration, and to ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, experiences, and opportunities necessary to succeed both locally and on the world stage.”
Ms Cover added, “The purpose of this visit was to strengthen and advance our existing partnership, with a deliberate focus on moving the Memorandum of Understanding beyond a framework of agreement into one of active implementation. We are encouraged by the progress achieved and the meaningful strides made through this engagement. Our national mandate remains clear: to create measurable impact and to provide viable, sustainable pathways to employment for our students upon completion of their studies.”
“This second visit from Loyola University New Orleans reflects both the strength and the continued momentum of our partnership,” said Dr Livingston Smith, Provost and Vice President at UCCI.
A member of the Loyola delegation further underscored the value of the collaboration, noting, “We are delighted to deepen our relationship with UCCI and to welcome Caymanian students into our academic community. This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to benefit from a globally connected education, while building upon the strong academic foundation established at UCCI.”
Students enrolled in UCCI programmes such as Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Computer Science, Nursing, and Media & Communication remain particularly well aligned with Loyola’s academic offerings, providing clear and direct pathways into fields including business, media, technology, and leadership.
Learn more about UCCI’s programmes, international partnerships and academic opportunities at: www.ucci.edu.ky
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