Cassie Barnhardt, UI College of Education higher education and student affairs professor, recently visited Prishtina, Kosovo, to explore opportunities for continuing collaboration with universities, government representatives, and donor organizations.

Her visit follows the early closure of the USAID-funded Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education (PSPSHE) activity, led by the University of Iowa.

Strengthening academia–industry links through data and corporate panels

Earlier this year, the University of Iowa and the University of Prishtina co-organized two major events designed to strengthen higher education reform and deepen ties between academia and industry:

• Corporate Panels and Curriculum Reform Workshop: Led by UI Professor Lon Moeller, this workshop brought together 20 academic leaders from the University of Prishtina, including quality coordinators, vice deans, and program directors. The sessions highlighted how to establish and manage corporate panels, integrate employer feedback into curriculum reviews, and better align academic programs with labor market needs. Participants praised the interactive format and expressed readiness to apply these practices within their faculties.
• Data Symposium: Strategies for Career Services and Industry Engagement: Hosted at the Faculty of Architecture, this symposium convened universities, private sector representatives, student organizations, and development partners. Opening remarks by Professor Majlinda Gjelaj, vice rector for quality assurance, emphasized the importance of data-driven planning. Barnhardt presented findings on internship practices and career center approaches in Kosovo, while Moeller discussed corporate panels as a bridge between academia and the labor market. A diverse panel of stakeholders – from ICT, agribusiness, and finance to student groups and career offices – discussed challenges and opportunities in preparing students for the workforce.

Together, these events raised institutional awareness about the importance of evidence-based decision-making and industry participation in curriculum design. They also laid out concrete steps for strengthening collaboration between universities and the private sector to improve the quality and relevance of higher education in Kosovo.

Building on momentum

During the recent visit, Barnhardt built on this momentum by meeting with leadership from the University of Prishtina, University of Peja, and University of Prizren, as well as ministry officials and donor representatives including GIZ, ADA, and the EU Office in Kosovo. These conversations focused on sustaining the reforms piloted under PSPSHE – from modernized curricula and experiential learning opportunities to stronger university – industry linkages and improved data capacity.

“While USAID’s support concluded earlier than anticipated, the energy and commitment from universities and industry partners in Kosovo remain strong,” says Barnhardt. “The University of Iowa is eager to continue supporting innovations in curriculum reform, experiential learning, and data capacity that prepare students for success in the global workforce.”

The visit reaffirmed Iowa’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that strengthen higher education systems and create meaningful connections between academia and industry, Barnhardt says. By engaging with local institutions and international donors, Barnhardt adds, the University of Iowa is helping ensure that the momentum achieved in Kosovo continues well into the future.