Dr Hoey is a regular visitor to Ireland and his daughter recently attended the DkIT Certificate in Archaeological Excavation & Recording delivered at Blackfriary Archaeology Field School in Trim, Co. Meath.  Dr Patricia Moriarty, Head of School of Business and Humanities at DkIT welcomed the signing of this MOU and is delighted with the programme of collaborative work planned with The Honours College at Marshall University which will see programme collaboration begin in 2025. 

Dr Brian Hoey, Dean & Professor of Anthropology, The Honors College at Marshall University, said,

"On behalf of Marshall University, we are thrilled to take the next step to formalise an exchange agreement with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). Our collaboration marks a significant milestone in fostering international academic exchange and enriching the educational experiences for students of both institutions.

Our agreement with DkIT will not only align with the broader strategic goals of fostering global engagement for our undergraduate students but also contribute to beneficial development of our regions, in line with recent legislative initiatives announced in 2023 to strengthen ties between West Virginia and Ireland. Our partnership, enhanced by the securing of a prestigious IDEAS Grant from the U.S. Department of State allows Marshall University to align our academic goals even more effectively for this transatlantic exchange and with DkIT's strategic vision and broader regional partnership with Maynooth University.

We look forward to the unique opportunities our collaboration will provide, fostering academic excellence and cultural understanding."