INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Two West Virginia State University (WVSU) students have been awarded highly competitive graduate scholarships at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) for the 2026–2027 academic year, continuing a tradition of international achievement that began last year.
Amanda Thomasson will pursue the Master of Science in Marketing for the Creative Economy, receiving a scholarship package totaling HK$398,000 (approximately US$51,157), including tuition support and a living stipend.
Johan Karlsson will enroll in the Master of Science in Applied Economics, earning a scholarship package valued at HK$395,000 (approximately US$50,641).
Thomasson will graduate from WVSU in May with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Karlsson graduated from WVSU in December 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
“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,” WVSU President Ericke Cage 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 HKBU’s postgraduate programs is highly selective, drawing applicants from across Asia, Europe, and North America. The selection of Thomasson and Karlsson reflects the academic preparation and professional potential that WVSU cultivates in its students and builds on the success of two WVSU students selected last year for study at HKBU during the current academic year.
“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,” said Dr. Michael Young, Professor in the Department of Management and International Business at WVSU, who established the relationship with HKBU. “Together, these successive classes signal that world-class international graduate study is becoming an enduring opportunity for WVSU students.”
HKBU is one of Asia’s leading institutions of higher education. The School of Business holds the “triple crown” of international accreditation—AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA—a mark of excellence earned by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. In addition, HKBU was ranked among the top 25 Asian business schools by the Financial Times and its Master of Science in Business Management program has been ranked eighth in Asia and among the world’s top 100 programs in international management.
Founded in 1956, HKBU has grown into a globally recognized university dedicated to whole-person education, creativity, and civic responsibility. It became a publicly funded institution in 1983 and gained full university status in 1994. Today, HKBU offers students a rigorous and innovative education in a culturally rich, international setting.
More information about the scholarship programs and graduate admissions at HKBU can be found at https://bus.hkbu.edu.hk/eng/bus/main/prospective-students/index.jsp, or by contacting Dr. Michael Young at (304) 766-3096 or michael.young@wvstateu.edu.
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