INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) graduating seniors, Franco Farias and Logan Stone, have been awarded full-ride scholarships to pursue master’s degrees at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), one of Asia’s top-ranked, triple-accredited business schools.
These scholarships, which are competitively awarded, cover full tuition along with generous living stipends.
Franco Farias, a finance and economics double major originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been accepted into HKBU’s Master of Science in Financial Technology (FinTech) and Business Analytics program. His scholarship includes a full tuition waiver valued at HK$318,000 and a living stipend of HK$100,000, bringing the total award to approximately HK$418,000, or about US$53,750.
Logan Stone, from Poca, West Virginia, is completing his degree at WVSU in agribusiness and agricultural economics. He will enroll in the Master of Science in Applied Economics program. His scholarship includes a full tuition waiver worth HK$268,000, along with a HK$100,000 living stipend, for a total value of HK$368,000, or about US$47,320.
“I was so happy when I received this news,” said Farias. “I hope it leads to more opportunities in the future.”
Stone echoed that sentiment, adding, “I feel very lucky to have this opportunity. I hope that this experience will expand my worldview and make me both a better person and a better candidate for future job opportunities.”
Hong Kong Baptist University 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.
“This will be a life-changing experience for these students,” said Dr. Michael Young, Professor in the Department of Management and International Business at WVSU. “Living and learning in one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world will be transformative—both personally and professionally. I hope their success encourages more of our students, from all majors, to apply for this opportunity.”
Dr. Young, who previously lived and worked in Hong Kong for 19 years before joining WVSU, played a key role in establishing the relationship between WVSU and HKBU. He noted that the scholarships are designed to attract international students and are not limited to business majors.
“These programs welcome diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement,” he said. “We would love to see a few WVSU students heading to Hong Kong every year. I encourage any student that seeks adventure and challenge to contact me.”
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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