KNUST SMS and University of Utah Delegation Call on Vice Chancellor Ahead of Joint Anniversary Celebration
As part of activities lined up for the 20th anniversary celebration of the longstanding partnership between the KNUST School of Medical Sciences (SMS) and the University of Utah, a joint delegation has paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson.
The visit forms part of a series of engagements leading up to the milestone celebration scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Medical Enclave in Boadi.
Leading the KNUST SMS delegation, Prof. Daniel Ansong reflected on the significance of the two-decade partnership and its alignment with SMS's 50th anniversary.
He disclosed that as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the School of Medical Sciences, the planning committee had designated a special day—dubbed International Day—to honour longstanding global partnerships.
Prof. Ansong noted that while the school has collaborated with several international institutions, the depth and consistency of its work with the University of Utah made it a natural choice for this joint commemoration.
“Our 50th year celebration aligns perfectly with this partnership
Of all our collaborations, Utah has been a dependable partner for 20 years,” he said.
Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, in her remarks, commended the two institutions for their unwavering commitment to improving medical training and healthcare outcomes in Ghana and beyond.
“We are grateful for what this partnership has done for our students, faculty, and community
“If there were an award for star partnership at the College of Health Sciences, I would personally nominate the University of Utah,” she noted.
She further expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to thrive: “We are looking forward to the next 20 years of impactful work together.”
Prof. Devon Hale, representing the University of Utah, recounted the origins of the partnership, tracing it back to the early 2000s when both institutions sought to provide their students with meaningful international engagement opportunities.
He detailed how initial student exchange visits quickly evolved into a robust program that now includes faculty exchange, research collaboration, and curriculum development.
“We started with just 10 students in the first year,” Prof. Hale recalled.
“It was a humble beginning, but the value and impact were immediately visible. Each year, we built on that momentum, introducing faculty exchanges, joint research, and deeper academic integration. It’s been an enriching experience for both sides.”
The anniversary celebration on Friday will feature a keynote public lecture by former SMS Provost, Prof. Tsiri Agbenyega, under the theme: “Beyond the White Coat: Navigating Fellowship and/or PhD in Medical Practice.”
The programme will also include a special exhibition highlighting milestones of the KNUST SMS–University of Utah partnership and its impact over the years.
The event, which begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m., forms a highlight of the broader SMS@50 celebrations.
