La Roche University Advances Global Academic Collaboration with University of Southampton Malaysia

PITTSBURGH, July 1, 2026 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Academic Cooperation with University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM), further strengthening the University’s commitment to global engagement and expanding opportunities for international academic collaboration in Southeast Asia.

The agreement was formally signed by Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., President of La Roche University, and Ehsan Mesbahi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Provost of University of Southampton Malaysia. The partnership establishes a collaborative framework grounded in shared commitments to academic excellence, global mobility, research collaboration, and intercultural learning.

Under the framework of the MOU, La Roche University and University of Southampton Malaysia will explore a broad range of collaborative initiatives designed to benefit students, faculty, and staff at both institutions. Areas of cooperation include student and faculty exchanges, joint research activities, academic conferences and workshops, the exchange of academic materials and institutional knowledge, dual-degree opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and short-term academic and experiential programs. The agreement also supports the development of globally focused educational pathways that encourage intercultural engagement, innovation, and collaborative learning across disciplines.

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, University of Southampton Malaysia is the international branch campus of the University of Southampton, a globally recognized research-intensive institution and founding member of the United Kingdom’s prestigious Russell Group. UoSM delivers internationally focused academic programs grounded in the same academic standards, curriculum, and research excellence as its United Kingdom campus.

The University of Southampton is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities, including No. 80 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and No. 115 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. Several academic disciplines also rank among the global top 100, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Through its innovative international education model, UoSM provides students with access to globally recognized British education, cross-cultural learning experiences, and strong pathways for academic and professional success throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

“Global partnerships play an essential role in preparing students to succeed in today’s interconnected world,” said President Clark. “Our collaboration with University of Southampton Malaysia creates exciting opportunities for academic exchange, cross-cultural learning, and innovative international programming that will benefit both institutions and their students.”

This agreement represents another important milestone in La Roche University’s expanding global partnership network and broader internationalization strategy. Through collaborative academic initiatives and international learning opportunities, both institutions aim to foster intercultural understanding, support academic innovation, and create meaningful educational experiences that prepare students to lead in a globally connected society.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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