East West University Bangladesh and Marshall University USA sign MoU to expand research collaboration, student exchange and PharmD opportunities
East West University (EWU), Bangladesh and Marshall University (MU), USA have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance global academic collaboration in education, research, innovation and capacity building. The agreement represents a major milestone in EWU’s internationalization strategy, opening extensive opportunities for students and faculty across diverse academic disciplines.
The MoU was formally signed during a virtual ceremony on February 9, 2026. EWU was represented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, and Professor Dr. Ahmed Wasif Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering. Faculty members from EWU’s Department of Pharmacy also attended, including Chairperson Professor Dr. Md. Amirul Islam, Professor Dr. Chowdhury Faiz Hossain, and Dr. Rejina Afrin, Associate Professor and alumna of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy. Marshall University was represented by Interim Provost and Senior Vice President Professor Dr. Robert Bookwalter, Dean Professor Dr. Eric R. Blough, and Assistant Provost for Global Education Dr. Zelideth Maria Rivas.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Under the agreement, EWU and MU will collaborate on:
- Joint research and academic training programs
- Faculty and student exchange initiatives
- External research funding proposals
- Consulting and evaluation activities
- Joint international conferences, workshops, and seminars
- Collaborative publications in high-impact journals
- Exchange of academic materials and scholarly resources
The partnership emphasizes multidisciplinary engagement across sciences, engineering, health sciences, business, social sciences, and other fields, ensuring institution-wide participation.
Pharmacy Collaboration and PharmD Opportunities
A specialized partnership has also been established between the Marshall University School of Pharmacy and EWU’s Department of Pharmacy. This collaboration will facilitate joint research, faculty and student mobility, and shared access to research infrastructure.
A major highlight of the agreement is the opportunity for eligible EWU students to pursue the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at Marshall University at in-state tuition rates, along with access to merit-based scholarships—significantly enhancing international exposure and career prospects.
Strengthening Bangladesh–USA Academic Ties
University leaders from both institutions expressed strong optimism that the partnership will produce tangible academic and research outcomes beginning in the upcoming academic year. The collaboration will undergo periodic review to ensure sustained impact and alignment with strategic goals.
This MoU not only advances pharmacy education and research but also establishes a comprehensive platform for long-term global collaboration, strengthening educational, research, and socio-economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States.
