Partnerships with purpose: Learie Luke’s mission to connect the world and SC State
Author: Bennell Green, Web Content Manager |Published: November 13, 2025|All News
Through exposure, service, and passion, Dr. Learie B. Luke turns global connections
into lessons that reach far beyond the classroom.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago and a historian at heart, Dr. Learie B. Luke
believes the world should be every student’s classroom.
As director of the Office of Global Engagement at South Carolina State University, he works toward the goal of having 50% of students
travel abroad before graduation - helping the university fulfill its mission to prepare
socially aware, globally minded graduates.
“On every trip we take, there’s a person who not only hasn’t gone to another country.
They have never flown on a plane,” Luke said.
Under the Division of Academic Affairs, Luke leads efforts to build partnerships that
bring global engagement to life locally, nationally, and internationally. His office
collaborates with campus partners like the College of Business and Information Systems,
Family and Consumer Science, the 1890 Research and Extension Program, and Felton Laboratory
School, as well as study abroad providers nationwide.
Abroad, SC State maintains growing relationships with institutions and organizations
across Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, the University of The Bahamas, and Luke’s home country
of Trinidad and Tobago. Luke has been instrumental in developing memoranda of understanding
(MOUs) and agreements with universities in these countries.
“Global engagement means partnership locally on campus, nationally, and internationally.”
Luke said.
The heart of Luke’s work lies in service. He would like each international trip to
integrate a service-learning component, allowing students to engage with K–12 schools
and low-income communities abroad. Students are encouraged to carry gifts for the
students they interact with abroad and learn firsthand about life from a new perspective.
“The true measure of our success isn’t just how many students travel,” Luke said.
“It’s seeing their passion, empathy, and excitement when they return.” That's why
hosting Passport Fairs on campus is an important emphasis of the Office of Global
Engagement. "Passports are the wings that allow students to fly globally."
The Office of Global Engagement also brings the world to SC State through programs
such as the international showcases, salsa dancing and cooking classes, and the International
Resource Center, which houses artifacts, sculptures, clothing, and paintings from
all over the world. The International Resource Center also sponors the "Artifact of
the Week" initiative which shares pictures of items in the Center via email to the
campus community.
Luke’s commitment to service and collaboration strengthens SC State’s mission to prepare
students for leadership in a global society. His efforts ensure that every partnership
builds not only academic opportunity but also understanding across cultures.
