Lyon College’s Director of International Education Nicolas Pattillo recently visited St. Mary’s University College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, to explore potential collaborations and enhance student mobility between the two institutions.

Both Lyon College and St. Mary’s are small liberal arts colleges and share a common mission, including a commitment to student access and success.

During what was originally scheduled as a brief one-hour meeting, discussions between Pattillo and St. Mary’s International Office Marketing and Communications Manager John Brolly and Head of International Education Dr. Gerard McCann extended to four hours as ideas about student mobility and collaborative programs flourished.

Topics included plans for future exchanges and the possibility of Lyon College students participating in St. Mary’s International Summer School in 2025.

Pattillo shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “The potential for cross-cultural exchange between Lyon College and St. Mary’s is incredibly exciting. We’re looking forward to creating meaningful opportunities for our students to experience life and learning abroad. This visit confirmed our shared values and mission, making it clear that we can accomplish great things together.”

The visit was facilitated by the support of the British Council Northern Ireland, with special thanks to Jonathan Stewart and Mary Mallon for helping to foster these important connections.

In addition to productive meetings, Pattillo had the chance to experience the vibrant culture and history of Belfast, making his trip both professionally and personally enriching.

This visit marks a promising step toward deepening ties between Lyon College and St. Mary’s, opening up opportunities for students to benefit from international experiences and expand their global perspectives.

Above: St. Mary’s International Office Marketing and Communications Manager John Brolly, Lyon College Director of International Education Nicholas Pattillo and St. Mary's Head of International Education Dr. Gerard McCann visit during Pattillo's recent visit to Belfast. (Photo: St. Mary's University College)