Building on recent successes, the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) has officially signed a Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership and Shared Commitments. This landmark agreement unites the EPI Center with Voorhees University and the Accra College of Education, in partnership with the Ghana Education Trust Fund. Building upon an initial strategic partnership established in June 2025, the participating institutions reaffirmed mutual dedication to advancing academic collaboration, professional development, research, and student mobility on an international scale.
To formalize the partnership, a delegation from Ghana recently visited the Voorhees University campus for the official signing ceremony. During their stay, the delegation gained firsthand insights into the South Carolina public education system by touring three schools within the Orangeburg County School District, a strategic partner of the EPI Center.
“This international alliance reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to knowledge and elevating the teaching profession on a global scale,” said Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the EPI Center. “By building partnerships across geographic boundaries, we are building an international network of educators, institutions, and leaders. Together, we will prepare the next generation of educators to advance high-impact teaching and learning world-wide.”
The EPI Center will play a role in driving the professional development and research components of this alliance. Specifically, the EPI Center, in direct collaboration with Voorhees University Graduate Studies, will launch several key initiatives:
• Hosting a comprehensive Research Symposium scheduled for the Summer of 2027.
• Delivering extensive Professional Learning opportunities designed to elevate educator effectiveness.
• Advancing targeted Educational Leadership initiatives to cultivate future administrators and school leaders.
To further support educator development, the partnership will formally facilitate new funding pathways. Beginning in August 2026, the alliance will offer dedicated scholarship opportunities for candidates pursuing a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.
The agreement was signed by the following institutional representatives:
• Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation
• Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President and CEO, Voorhees University
• Prof. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, Principal, Accra College of Education
• Mrs. Phillida Ohenewaa Lamptey, Head of Scholarships – Ghana Education Trust Fund