Photo courtesy of Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) has signed an agreement with DUNIS Africa to launch a cross-border academic program in Dakar, Senegal, beginning in Fall 2025. The initiative will allow students in West Africa to earn a fully accredited FHSU degree without leaving the region. All courses will be taught in English and combine instruction from local and FHSU faculty, maintaining high American academic standards.

The new program builds on a partnership that began in 2017, which currently allows students to complete two years in Senegal before transferring to Kansas. Under the expanded model, students will now be able to complete all four years in Senegal. DUNIS Africa will deliver the first two years of coursework, and FHSU will take over instruction starting Fall 2027. The program will offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Economics.

FHSU officials, including Dr. Jeni McRay and Dr. Phil Wittkorn, visited Dakar in January 2025 for the launch event, which included representatives from the Senegalese government, U.S. Embassy, and business leaders. They also met with U.S. Ambassador Mike Raynor to discuss how the program will improve access to American higher education and strengthen U.S.–Senegal economic ties.

The program aims to support students who face barriers to studying abroad, such as financial limitations or visa restrictions. One such student, Amadou Diawara, began his studies with DUNIS Africa in 2017, transferred to FHSU, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, pursue an MBA, complete internships, and launch two startups.

This expanded partnership opens the door for more students to gain a world-class education and make a global impact from their home country.