Another avenue for higher education in the territory has opened up.
This morning Wayland Baptist University opened its newest school, at the Manumalo Baptist Academy in Malaeimi.
Wayland is a faith based institution and has its main campus in Plainview, Texas.
It operates in 6 states and the East African nation of Kenya.
It has students around the world through its online courses.
At present the university caters to 4,000 students.
Wayland Baptist University American Samoa has been more than a year in the making and according to President Dr. Bobby Hall it is here to stay.
The opening was attended by government officials led by Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, local Baptist ministers, and church members, the student body and faculty of Manumalo and many parents.
Representatives of other church schools also witnessed the brief and simple ceremony which was led by Director of Manumalo Academy, Papalii Laulii Alofa.
Acting Governor Lemanu commended Wayland University for its decision to open a branch in the territory.
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Officials of the University from Plainview, Texas and Hawaii who were present included Dr. Dan Jacobsen, Director of the Hawaii campus and Dr. Elaine Seebo, Vice President of External Campuses. The university’s local representative is Lumanai’i Snow.
University President Dr. Hall said the university aims to provide quality education at an affordable price.
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Papalii Laulii who emceed the ceremony made this pitch to Acting Governor Lemanu, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and Chief Operations Officer of the American Samoa Power Authority, Paul Young.
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Wayland University American Samoa will offer undergraduate and graduate courses and is set to begin summer classes May 28. 
