SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University has entered into a comprehensive agreement of partnership with RV University (RVU) in Bengaluru, India, to collaborate on academic and research initiatives. Leaders from the two highly respected institutions gathered in Smithfield, R.I., in October to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate student exchange programs for research and academic study, the exchange of faculty and research scholars, and joint research collaborations.
“This partnership is an important initiative in the acceleration of our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan and our commitment to comprehensive internationalization at Bryant."
Founded in 1863, Bryant University delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, health and behavioral sciences and STEM disciplines, and is ranked in the top 1% for return on investment and education outcomes. RV University, established in 2021 and backed by the 80-year legacy of RV Educational Institutions, is a next-generation, tech-driven, global university that imparts high-quality, liberal education with an interdisciplinary curriculum.
Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Bryant University, played a key role in bringing the two universities together and initiating the partnership. Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Business at Bryant University, travelled to Bengaluru to work on the program components, and timelines, finalize the agreement, and attend a signing ceremony in July with RV University leaders YSR Murthy, Ph.D., Founding Vice Chancellor of RV University; Shri Nagaraj Devatha, Honorable Joint Secretary of Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust (RSST); and Dwarika Uniyal, Ph.D., Pro-Vice Chancellor, RVU.
“This partnership is an important initiative in the acceleration of our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan and our commitment to comprehensive internationalization at Bryant. Educating our students to be strong contributors with a global mindset is at the core of the Bryant experience,” said Bryant University President and respected economist Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “I thank Provost Paliwal and Dean Annavarjula for their leadership on this effort and look forward to partnering with RV University colleagues and engaging RV students in our academic programs and our community of scholars.”
“We very much look forward to our collaborations with RV University, which will strengthen our strategic focus on internationalization and our commitment to expanding global awareness and understanding for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners throughout the Bryant community,” said Dr. Paliwal.
“The joint programs between our highly respected institutions will provide meaningful opportunities for faculty and students through intellectual and cultural exchange and further enhance the return on investment for a Bryant education, which is in the top 1% in the United States."
Through the Bryant-RV partnership, students from both schools will have the opportunity to apply for dual degrees and joint degree programs, including an Executive MBA. They will also be able to participate in jointly organized seminars, symposia, and academic programs, as well as short-term and semester-long study abroad programs.
“The joint programs between our highly respected institutions will provide meaningful opportunities for faculty and students through intellectual and cultural exchange and further enhance the return on investment for a Bryant education, which is in the top 1% in the United States. Students will have valuable opportunities in India that will help develop talent for U.S. multinational corporations as they continue to expand their presence in India,” added Paliwal.
“This partnership represents a great prospect for RV University students and faculty to be associated with world-class institutions and gain exposure to global benchmarks and best practices in academia and research."
“We are committed to bringing a world-class learning experience to our students with such collaborations. Bryant University has a rich history in business education that has expanded to integrate liberal arts, health and behavioral sciences, and STEM disciplines, and we are looking forward to building Joint Business Programs across our MBA, EMBA, BBA and B. Com programs along with global immersions for our students,” said Dr. Murthy.
“This partnership represents a great prospect for RV University students and faculty to be associated with world-class institutions and gain exposure to global benchmarks and best practices in academia and research,” added Murthy.
Selected joint programs are expected to begin in the 2023 Academic year.
ABOUT BRYANT UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1863, Bryant University is at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Bryant delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, health and behavioral sciences and STEM disciplines. The university is ranked in the top 1% for return on investment and education outcomes and is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual and Barron’s.
ABOUT RV UNIVERSITY
RV University, established in 2021 and backed by the 80-year legacy of RV Educational Institutions, is a next-generation, tech-driven, global university that imparts high quality, liberal education with an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes in five academic disciplines namely, School of Liberal Arts and Science, School of Design and Innovation, School of Business, School of Economics and School of Computer Science and Engineering.
