La Roche University Expands Global Health Education Network Through Partnership with Gyeongbuk College of Health

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 15, 2025 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gyeongbuk College of Health in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, establishing a strategic partnership to advance global learning, collaborative research, and innovative academic exchanges in the health sciences.

The agreement was formally signed by Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., President of La Roche University, and Eun Gik Lee, Ph.D., President of Gyeongbuk College of Health, marking the beginning of a partnership grounded in mutual respect and a shared dedication to advancing health education.

Under the terms of the MOU, the two institutions will collaborate on a variety of initiatives, including student mobility programs, faculty and staff exchanges, academic information sharing, joint research projects, and co-hosted conferences and workshops. The agreement also provides for dual-degree opportunities, short-term academic and clinical experiences, and practicum collaborations designed to enhance workforce readiness in healthcare fields. These initiatives emphasize reciprocity, academic enrichment, and long-term sustainability.

Founded as a leading institution for health sciences education in Korea, Gyeongbuk College of Health offers a comprehensive range of nationally accredited programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, clinical pathology, radiological science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, emergency medical services, and early childhood health education. The college is recognized for its rigorous curriculum, high national licensure examination pass rates, and well-established clinical training pathways, which place students in leading regional hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and specialized medical institutions. State-of-the-art simulation laboratories, dental clinics, and diagnostic imaging facilities enable students to gain practical experience using industry-standard equipment from the earliest stages of their education.

In addition to its strong academic programs, Gyeongbuk College of Health is distinguished by government-supported workforce development initiatives, regional healthcare innovation projects, and active engagement with public health agencies across the Gyeongsangbuk-do region. The college’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, community-focused training, and continuous curriculum modernization positions its graduates as highly competitive practitioners in Korea’s healthcare sector. Its proven excellence in applied learning and expanding international engagement provide an outstanding foundation for cross-border academic collaboration in nursing and allied health fields.

“This partnership with Gyeongbuk College of Health reflects our shared commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly global healthcare environment,” said Dr. Clark. “By working together, we can expand international learning opportunities, enrich academic experiences, and strengthen cross-cultural competencies essential for modern healthcare practice.”

Through this collaboration, La Roche University and Gyeongbuk College of Health are laying the groundwork for ongoing cooperation that will benefit students, faculty, and the broader educational communities they serve. The MOU represents a meaningful step toward deeper global engagement and continued innovation in healthcare education.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, 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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