LISLE, CMC—Citizens across the English-speaking Caribbean stand to benefit from an initiative recently launched by a US-based university that will transform access to higher education in 16 countries across the region.
DeVry University recently announced the expansion of the Bridge to Brilliance Initiative. According to Agnam Memeti, the University’s chief enrollment and student support officer, this program will provide scholarships to support qualifying DeVry learners, expand access, and provide a more affordable, high-quality education.
“Education has the power to transform lives,” said Memeti, previously Vice President of Student Services at DeVry University. “Innovation at DeVry isn’t just about technology – it’s also about breaking down barriers to education.
“As educators, we recognize that access to quality online education is a critical step to help prepare learners for thriving careers in a global economy,” added Memeti, who, among his responsibilities, has led the Academic, Financial, and Career advising functions for the University, ensuring that each student receives personalized assistance from the moment they apply through to graduation and beyond.
“We are thrilled to expand our academic offerings in the Caribbean,” continued Memeti, who has dedicated his career to ensuring student success by implementing processes and policies in alignment with DeVry University’s mission “to empower students, and meaningfully improve their lives, communities, and workplaces.”
In addition to his current role, Memeti actively collaborates with faculty, staff, and external partners to create “a holistic and enriching educational experience.”
DeVry University’s expansion extends to Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
According to the Open Doors 2024 report on International Educational Exchange, during the 2023-24 academic year, more than one million international students from over 210 countries studied at US higher education institutions—a nearly seven percent increase from the previous academic year.
Memeti said the Bridge to Brilliance program features flexible online learning options, allowing students to tailor their educational journey to their circumstances.
He said it also emphasizes career readiness, providing pathways in high-demand fields such as STEM, healthcare, and business.
Moreover, Memeti said access and affordability are a top priority at DeVry.
He said scholarships like the International Student Scholarship and the American Pathway for International Scholars Scholarship may help reduce costs for qualifying students.
“Flexibility, especially for our online learners, is key,” said Memeti, who values proactive care and student support, resulting in positive student outcomes.
“DeVry’s culture of CARE is embedded in everything we do to provide tailored support services, as well as a student-focused experience, to all learners no matter what stage of their journey they are in,” added Memeti, whose vision and leadership have led to transformative initiatives that, he said, have positively impacted the lives of many DeVry students.
As of the January 2025 academic session, Memeti, who started his career at DeVry University as an academic advisor, said the University’s international student body comprises hundreds of students from over 55 countries, including India, Jordan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Armenia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, the Bahamas, Colombia and more.
Founded in 1931, the University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, healthcare, and technology, both on-site and online.
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