DOVER — Delaware State University has opened up new collaborative possibilities in Central America through an agreement with the University of Belize.

Delaware State University President Tony Allen and University of Belize President Vincent Palacio signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 11 that affirms the intentions of both institutions to engage each other in collaborative activities.

The institutional cooperation agreement between the two schools will open the doors for collaborations on seminars, workshops, training activities, presentations, research, and mentorship programs.

Also attending and representing Belize at the Memorandum of Understanding signing were His Excellency Lyn Raymond Young, Ambassador of Belize to the U.S.; Elbert H. Irving Jr., Director of Institutional Advancement; and Maximiliano Ortega, Jr., Director of the UB Central Farm Campus.

On the Delaware State University side, President Allen was joined by Antonio Boyle, Senior Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and International Affairs; Dr. Cherese Winstead Casson, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST); Dr. Marikis Alvarez, CAST Associate Dean for Research; and other DSU officials.

In addition to the ceremony, during their March 11-12 visit the University of Belize officials met with deans and faculty members of several colleges to explore various academic possibilities that could be pursued as part of this agreement.

The University of Belize was established in 2000 from a merger of five institutions: the University College of Belize, the Belize Technical College, the Belize Teachers’ Training College, the Belize School of Nursing, and the Belize College of Agriculture.