BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, SC – Building on recent successes, the Center of Excellence
for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) has officially signed a Joint
Declaration of Strategic Partnership and Shared Commitments. This landmark
agreement unites the EPI Center with Voorhees University and the Accra College of
Education, in partnership with the Ghana Education Trust Fund. Building upon an initial
strategic partnership established in June 2025, the participating institutions reaffirmed
mutual dedication to advancing academic collaboration, professional development,
research, and student mobility on an international scale.
To formalize the partnership, a delegation from Ghana recently visited the Voorhees
University campus for the official signing ceremony. During their stay, the delegation
gained firsthand insights into the South Carolina public education system by touring
three schools within the Orangeburg County School District, a strategic partner of the
EPI Center.
“This international alliance reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to
knowledge and elevating the teaching profession on a global scale,” said Dr. Damara
Hightower Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the EPI Center. “By building partnerships
across geographic boundaries, we are building an international network of educators,
institutions, and leaders. Together, we will prepare the next generation of educators to
advance high-impact teaching and learning world-wide.”
The EPI Center will play a role in driving the professional development and research
components of this alliance. Specifically, the EPI Center, in direct collaboration with
Voorhees University Graduate Studies, will launch several key initiatives:
Hosting a comprehensive Research Symposium scheduled for the Summer of
2027.
Delivering extensive Professional Learning opportunities designed to elevate
educator effectiveness.
Advancing targeted Educational Leadership initiatives to cultivate future
administrators and school leaders.
To further support educator development, the partnership will formally facilitate new
funding pathways. Beginning in August 2026, the alliance will offer dedicated
scholarship opportunities for candidates pursuing a Master of Education in Teaching and
Learning, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.
The agreement was signed by the following institutional representatives:
Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Center of Excellence for
Educator Preparation and Innovation
Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President and CEO, Voorhees University
Prof. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, Principal, Accra College of Education
Mrs. Phillida Ohenewaa Lamptey, Head of Scholarships – Ghana Education Trust
Fund
About the EPI Center: The EPI Center is a self-sustaining, national 501(c) (3) nonprofit established in 2021 on
the campus of Voorhees University by Founder and CEO Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell. The EPI Center was
established to redefine educator preparation through pathbreaking, research-driven approaches. With a
commitment to elevating teacher effectiveness, the organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services
designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to drive student success. The Center
is located at 423 College Street in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.
