New partnership with the Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), Ecuador, established
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (July 24, 2026) - In spring 2026, a delegation from Virginia Commonwealth University visited the Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), Ecuador, signing a general Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the UEES and beginning a new partnership.
The delegation included Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., vice president for strategic enrollment management and global initiatives; Azim Eskandarian, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering; and Adina M. Archer, assistant vice president for international enrollment.
The visit consisted of meetings with UEES leadership, faculty, international education staff and students.
While visiting UEES, three enrollment agreements were developed which include two
“4 + 1” agreements, one with VCU’s School of Engineering that will enable UEES students to come to VCU to finish their engineering degrees in one year. In addition, the same agreement was developed for VCU’s School of Business.
“This strategic partnership brings together two globally recognized institutions; VCU, ranked among the top 20% of universities worldwide by U.S. News & World Report, and UEES, ranked the number one university in Ecuador by QS,” said Bucheli. “By creating intentional pathways for student mobility, study abroad, and global engagement, our institutions will expand access to transformative international experiences and prepare students to lead, collaborate, and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Archer described the programs that are being discussed for upcoming opportunities. “The two universities are working on a “2+2” 
agreement with the School of Business which will allow students to study for two years at UEES, and then two years at VCU for their bachelor's program,” she said. Faculty of the business in their business school and faculty in their engineering school. We met with their university leadership.
“We look forward to further strengthening this important international partnership while expanding enrollment pathways and study-abroad opportunities for students at both institutions," said Bucheli.