New York, NY 12/17/24 — Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) and Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas – ESPE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a partnership aimed at fostering global collaboration in education, research, and professional development. The agreement was signed by Col. C.S.M. Víctor Emilio Villavicencio Álvarez, Ph.D., Rector of ESPE, and Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D., President of MCNY in the presence of the honorable Consulate General, José Sandoval.
This landmark partnership will create meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and administrative staff from both institutions through initiatives such as academic mobility programs, research collaborations, and joint events including conferences and symposia. The MOU represents a commitment to mutual growth and cultural exchange, strengthening the global perspective of emergency and disaster management education.
MCNY President Dr. Charles J. Gibbs emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating “Sharing knowledge and expertise across borders is essential in today’s interconnected world, especially in fields like emergency management, where global challenges require collective solutions. This partnership reflects MCNY’s mission of Purpose-Centered Education, ensuring that our students and faculty engage in transformative experiences that prepare them to lead and serve globally.”
MCNY Emergency and Disaster Management Students and Faculty Field Study trip, Ecuador 2019
MCNY, as one of the leading institutions, serves as a blueprint for the nation’s top Emergency Management programs, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in this critical field. The MPA in Emergency and Disaster Management, launched in 2002, continues to educate Emergency Managers who lead city, state, and national agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations and businesses, toward safety and preparedness.
Ali Gheith, CEM, MEO, ISO, Program Director of the Emergency and Disaster Management Programs at MCNY, highlighted the importance of the relationship, “This collaboration with ESPE is an exciting milestone for MCNY’s Emergency Management Programs. It allows us to build strong academic and cultural bridges while expanding the reach and impact of our work. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. George Contreras for facilitating this connection and setting the stage for meaningful progress.”
In 2024, the field of emergency management faces unprecedented challenges as the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, public health crises, and cybersecurity threats continue to rise. With climate change exacerbating extreme weather events and increasing vulnerabilities, emergency managers must adapt by leveraging innovative technologies, data-driven strategies, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure resilience and preparedness at local, national, and international levels.
The MOU will remain in effect for five years, with provisions for renewal, ensuring a long-term commitment to academic excellence and shared innovation.
About Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas – ESPE:
ESPE is a leading educational institution in Ecuador dedicated to academic excellence and innovation. Known for its emphasis on science, engineering, and military education, ESPE fosters global partnerships to enrich its academic offerings. For more information: https://www.espe.edu.ec/historia/
About Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY):
For 60 years, Metropolitan College of New York has maintained a tradition of offering highly motivated learners an education that combines applied skills with professional knowledge, fostering personal transformation and positive change in workplaces and communities. MCNY is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Recognized as both a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), MCNY is dedicated to serving a significant percentage of students of color, particularly from underserved communities.
Founded in 1964 by Audrey Cohen, an educational visionary and activist, MCNY’s mission has remained steadfast, emphasizing Purpose-Centered Education to empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals.
MCNY Locations:
Manhattan Campus: 60 West Street, New York, NY 10006
Bronx Campus: 463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455
For more information, visit mcny.edu or call 212-343-1234
