Two students from West Virginia State University have been awarded graduate scholarships at Hong Kong Baptist University for the 2026–2027 academic year, according to an April 27 announcement.
The scholarships highlight opportunities for international study and recognize the academic achievements of West Virginia State University graduates. The awards continue a pattern of student success in global education programs.
Amanda Thomasson will pursue a Master of Science in Marketing for the Creative Economy with a scholarship valued at HK$398,000 (about US$51,157), which includes tuition and a living stipend. Johan Karlsson will enroll in the Master of Science in Applied Economics program with a scholarship worth HK$395,000 (about US$50,641). Thomasson is set to graduate from West Virginia State University in May with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Karlsson completed his bachelor’s degree in economics at the university in December 2025.
“These awards are a testament to the global competitiveness of our graduates, and reflect the high quality education that our students receive at West Virginia State University,” Ericke Cage, president of West Virginia State University, said. “We are incredibly proud of Amanda and Johan and know that they will continue to thrive as they pursue their graduate education in Hong Kong in the fall.”
Admission to postgraduate programs at Hong Kong Baptist University is highly selective and attracts applicants internationally. The selection of these two students builds on last year’s success when two other West Virginia State University students were chosen for similar study opportunities. Dr. Michael Young, professor in the Department of Management and International Business who established ties with Hong Kong Baptist University, said: “This announcement follows the success of last year’s inaugural cohort, whose recipients are currently thriving in Hong Kong and report transformative academic and professional experiences. Together, these successive classes signal that world-class international graduate study is becoming an enduring opportunity for WVSU students.”
Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Business holds AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accreditations—a distinction achieved by less than one percent of business schools worldwide—and has received recognition from sources such as Financial Times rankings.