09-05-2025
A Kansas education, delivered in Dakar
HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) — A college education from the plains of Kansas is about to become more accessible for students in West Africa—no passport or plane ticket required.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is launching a new cross-border academic program this fall in partnership with DUNIS Africa. The program will allow Dakar, Senegal students to earn an FHSU degree without leaving their home country.
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It's a change to the program that started in 2017. Previously, students spent two years in Senegal and then moved to Kansas to finish their degrees. Now, they can complete all four years in Senegal, earning a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a focus on International Business and Economics, all in English and aligned with American standards.
'We're creating a world of opportunity for students to thrive together,' Dr. Jeni McRay, Assistant Provost for Internationalization and Strategic Initiatives, said in a news release.
DUNIS Africa will instruct the first two years, starting this fall, with Fort Hays State faculty taking over in Fall 2027.
'This new remote-completion option will be transformative for students who cannot relocate to the United States due to financial, family, or visa constraints,' said Amadou Diawara, a current MBA student at FHSU.
Diawara began studying at DUNIS in 2017 and moved to Kansas in 2019 to complete his degree. After earning his bachelor's in business in 2020, he completed internships, co-founded two startups, and became a digital strategy consultant for entrepreneurs in Senegal.
'The FHSU-DUNIS partnership has had a profound impact on both my academic and personal journey,' he said in the release. 'It gave me the opportunity to study in a truly international environment that combined academic excellence, personalized support, and cultural exchange.'
For Fort Hays State, the program represents more than just international growth. It reflects a broader mission to make American education more accessible, especially for students who might otherwise be left out.
'Our partnership with DUNIS-Africa is Fort Hays State University's mission in action,' said McRay. 'We are making degrees accessible and affordable, allowing students the opportunity to develop as engaged global citizens. When they graduate, they are prepared for real-world challenges and ready to contribute to their local communities.'
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