In the summer of 2025, Sumy State University and Salisbury University (Maryland, USA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the commitment of both institutions to deepen cooperation and create new opportunities for students and faculty. The agreement was signed by SumDU Rector Vasyl Karpusha and Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre.

A key factor leading to this partnership was the visit of Prof. Yuriy Petrushenko, Doctor of Economics at SumDU, who spent the 2024–2025 academic year at Salisbury as a Fulbright Scholar. During his residency, he collaborated with colleagues at the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE), worked on projects focused on rebuilding civic life in Ukraine after the war, and actively engaged in school lectures and community events across the United States. Thanks to his initiatives and close collaboration with Dr. Brian Stiegler, Professor of International Education and Director of the Master’s Program in Higher Education Leadership, a dialogue was initiated that culminated in the formal partnership between the two universities.

“What inspires me most in this collaboration is the resilience of students and faculty who, despite incredible challenges, remain dedicated to education. For Salisbury University, it is an honor to stand alongside SumDU, building opportunities for cooperation, connection, and hope through education,” emphasized Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre.

Head of the International Relations Office at SumDU Dr. Alla Krasulia welcomed the initiative and is coordinating communication between the institutions: “The partnership with Salisbury University opens up prospects for virtual lectures, joint seminars, and collaborative projects that are already helping sustain academic life today and will, in the future, contribute to rebuilding our university even stronger – like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”

At present, the universities are discussing next steps, including guest online lectures, virtual student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and international seminars. Salisbury University has also expressed readiness to support SumDU’s academic community both during the wartime challenges and throughout the postwar recovery process.

This partnership, born from the fruitful Fulbright experience, underscores how international solidarity can be transformed into real opportunities for Ukrainian universities, their students, and scholars.

The original press release on Salisbury University’s website is available here.