Latest news with #BoardofTrustees
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
AUS Board approves decisions focused on leadership growth
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Board of Trustees, chaired by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, met to review and approve a set of strategic actions focused on leadership development, academic excellence and financial sustainability. After the meeting, Sheikha Bodour said: 'Excellence in education is achieved through conscious investment in people, planning, and principled governance. The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to building an institution that is academically distinguished yet operationally resilient. We are strengthening our leadership, supporting faculty development, and refining our governance frameworks to ensure AUS remains responsive to today's demands as a leading force in shaping higher education in our region and beyond.' 'The decisions taken during this board meeting reflect the strength of our vision and the clarity with which AUS is charting its path forward,' said Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'With strengthened leadership, defined academic priorities and disciplined financial planning, we are positioning the university to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.' Among the key outcomes, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Ruth as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Ruth is an academic leader with a distinguished track record in interdisciplinary research and institutional strategy, having held senior roles at the University of York, the University of Alberta and Northeastern University. The board also advanced several initiatives to support faculty excellence, including the approval of a new round of rolling contracts and a new round of academic promotions. These measures reflect AUS' continued focus on attracting and retaining outstanding faculty while fostering a culture of academic distinction. An updated Human Resources Policy Manual was also adopted to align institutional practices with international standards in higher education administration. In the area of financial governance, the board approved the university's fiscal year 2025–2026 general operating budget, along with dedicated budgets for research, graduate studies and capital projects. It also endorsed the standalone financial statements of AUS Enterprises — a holding company established to support the university's financial sustainability — for the 15-month period ending Aug.31, 2024. To further strengthen its governance structure, the board welcomed three new members: Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Dr. Tony F. Chan and Mohamed Khadiri. Dr. Almazrouei serves as Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and chairs the United Nations' AI for Good Impact Initiative. Dr. Chan recently concluded his presidency at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and previously served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Khadiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, with deep expertise in global corporate and investment banking. With these decisions, AUS reaffirms its position as a regional and global leader in higher education — committed to academic distinction, community impact and preparing graduates to shape the future. For more information on AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit Recently, the AUS celebrated its philanthropic partners who are helping shape the future of education during the AUS Donor Appreciation Get-Together, held on campus in the presence of Sheikha Bodour. The event brought together philanthropists, alumni, partners and friends of the university to recognise those whose support continues to drive AUS forward. Among the distinguished guests was Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, who joined the celebration as a guest of honour, underscoring the shared values of compassion, education and service that define the AUS donor community. Guests were welcomed at the AUS Rotunda by university leadership, faculty and student ambassadors.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed commends UOS for earning "Platinum Rating"
First University in the Middle East to Achieve Platinum This came on the occasion of the UOS becoming the first university in the Middle East to achieve Platinum Rating under the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) administered by AASHE. The university received a full 100% score in the category of sustainable education and research, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability across operations and planning, as well as its role in preparing a generation conscious of sustainable practices. This achievement aligns with the UAE's and Sharjah's strategic agendas on sustainability and carbon neutrality through education, research, innovation, and sustainable management and planning. The UOS now joins an elite group of only 15 universities worldwide to have received this top-tier Platinum rating — including 8 universities from the United States, 6 from Canada, and now 1 from the Middle East. A Milestone Achievement for the University Community His Highness, President of the UOS, congratulated the Board of Trustees, university leadership, academic, administrative, and technical staff, as well as students, on this new milestone, which adds to the university's impressive record of accomplishments over the years. These successes are the result of a well-defined strategy, vision, and the concerted efforts of the UOS community in providing every possible support to students, who remain at the heart of the university's educational mission. Sustainability as a Core Pillar of Higher Education His Highness emphasised the university's commitment to offering students the best possible experiences by continuously enhancing the academic and research environment — from curriculum development, research opportunities, student activities, and innovation support, to the quality of faculty and staff. This is all done through the lens of sustainability in higher education, a global trend that is reshaping the future of universities and colleges. As such, the UOS continues to advance in global rankings across a range of academic and scientific fields. Transparent and Rigorous Global Evaluation Process The University's award came following its assessment under the STARS rating programme, a transparent and comprehensive system for measuring and tracking sustainability performance in higher education institutions worldwide. The programme encourages institutions to pursue long-term sustainability goals, fosters continuous improvement, and builds more diverse and high-performing university communities committed to excellence in education. The UOS joined the STARS programme in 2021, earning the Silver rating in its first year, then becoming the first Arab university to receive a Gold rating in 2022, and now achieving the Platinum rating, the highest possible level — a clear affirmation of the university's leadership in sustainability.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Greenville ISD officials work to pay down debt ahead of a potential bond effort
At their meeting in April, the Greenville ISD Board of Trustees worked on reducing the district's debt burden. For the fourth time in five years, the board voted to refinance and/or pay off outstanding bonds ahead of schedule. On May 22, that early defeasance of bonds was finalized, Through those four defeasances, through a combination of scheduled payments, refinancing at lower interest rates and early repayments, the district has reduced its total principal and interest obligations by $89.7 million since 2020. At the end of the 2020 fiscal year, the district's outstanding principal balance stood at $73.445 million. By the end of the current fiscal year, that number will be down to $33.635 million – a reduction of more than 50%. In addition to the financial savings, the district has shortened the final maturity date of its outstanding debt by seven years, accelerating its path to full repayment. In addition to paying down its debt, the district is looking to approve a total property tax rate of 94.09 cents per $100 valuation, which would be 2.6 cents lower than it's current rate of 96.69 cents for every $100 that a property is worth. 'These savings reflect our board's commitment to sound financial management and our ongoing responsibility to the taxpayers of Greenville,' said GISD Superintendent Joe Lopez. 'It's about doing what's right for our students, our schools and our community.' GISD's most recent round of debt reduction comes as the district consults with WRA Architects on the planning of a future bond effort. While the firm has recommended that the district take its time with the community surveying, designing and budgeting process, they have estimated that another bond election could likely be called as soon as this November — a decision that would have to be made in August to meet state election requirements. So far this year, GISD officials and WRA have been meeting with a facility planning committee made up of community members, giving them tours of various multiple campuses to give them a better idea of the district's needs. While GISD has not publicly proposed any specific projects for a future bond election, the district's three previous bond attempts – in May 2022, November 2022 and November 2023 – included as their main projects replacements for both the middle school and the early childhood center, because the two existing campuses are 74 years old, deteriorating and out of compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, Texas Education Agency standards and updated building codes.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Ammar bin Humaid highlights AU's role in knowledge economy
During his chairmanship of the meeting of the University's Board of Trustees, he stressed the importance of instilling a culture of knowledge-based giving and strengthening effective partnerships with the public and private sectors. This will contribute to building a sustainable knowledge-based economy and consolidate Ajman University's position as a leading national academic institution with global reach. Welcome At the beginning of the meeting, held at Ajman University, His Highness welcomed the members of the Board, praising their efforts that have contributed to strengthening the University's progress and consolidating its academic and community presence at the local and international levels. A strategic milestone His Highness affirmed that Ajman University's transformation into a non-profit educational institution is a strategic milestone in its journey and reflects its commitment to its national role in achieving the goals of "We the Emirates 2031" and "Ajman Vision 2030." Promoting academic excellence His Highness explained that this transformation will contribute to enhancing academic excellence by developing innovative educational and research programmes that respond to the nation's priorities. It will also enhance the sustainability of the university's institutional growth by diversifying sources of income and reducing reliance on tuition fees, which supports its future plans and expands its societal impact. Fostering a culture of knowledge giving His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of knowledge giving and strengthening effective partnerships with the public and private sectors, contributing to building a sustainable knowledge economy and consolidating Ajman University's position as a leading national academic institution with a global reach. Supporting governance and enhancing institutional efficiency During the meeting, His Highness reviewed updates and achievements regarding the performance of the Board of Trustees' subcommittees, including the Academic Affairs and Community Outreach, Financial Audit, and Financial Sustainability committees, which aim to support governance and enhance institutional efficiency. The University's most notable achievements His Excellency Dr Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, presented the university's most notable achievements over the past period, including the College of Dentistry receiving international academic accreditation from the Australian Dental Council for a period of seven years, making it the first educational institution in the UAE to receive this prestigious accreditation for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in this specialization. Global rankings Seghir also reviewed the university's progress in global rankings, ranking among the top 51-100 universities globally and first in the country for data science and artificial intelligence, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. Advanced rankings The university also achieved advanced rankings in several other disciplines, including Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, ranked among the top 151-200 globally and first in the country; Computer Science and Information Systems, ranked among the top 201-250 globally and second in the country; Mathematics, ranked among the top 201-250 globally and second in the country; Accounting and Finance, ranked among the top 251-300 globally; and Sociology and Management, ranked among the top 284 globally and third in the country. Qualitative Programmes To emphasise the university's commitment to keeping pace with labour market requirements, a number of qualitative programmes have been introduced, including a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, a Master of Clinical Psychology, a Master of Digital Sociology, and a Master of Science in Orthodontics. Two new agreements The meeting reviewed two new academic cooperation agreements with Chongqing University and Southwestern University in China, signed during the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi to Chongqing. Deepening scientific and cultural exchange These partnerships aim to strengthen Ajman University's position as an internationally oriented non-profit institution, seeking to deepen scientific and cultural exchange and develop joint academic programs that translate the country's vision and align with the Emirate of Ajman's policies in supporting innovation, scientific research, and sustainable education. Joining the QS Middle East Global Advisory Committee As part of its support for scientific research, Dr Karim Seghir announced his joining the QS Middle East Global Advisory Committee. Dr Sai Budhu also received the Highly Cited Researcher Award in Pharmacology and Toxicology, according to the Clarivate rankings. Research grant Dr Rao Naveed, a faculty member in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, received a research grant worth AED 1.5 million to establish an advanced computing lab. Eco Sphere Foundation License Dr Karim Seghir noted that the university has obtained the official license for the Eco Sphere Foundation, which specialises in developing electronic games designed for people of determination. The foundation was founded by Emirati citizen Mohammed Al Marzouqi, a person of determination, with support from the Innovation Center at Ajman University, in a story that embodies determination and excellence. Attendees The meeting was attended by members of the University's Board of Trustees, including His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Muwaiji, Chairman of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; His Excellency Dr Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Ajman Executive Council; Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, CEO of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group; Her Excellency Dr. Amina Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, Board Member and Director of the Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani Family Company; His Excellency Rashid Abdul Rahman bin Jubran Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Ajman Government Human Resources Department; Abdullah Humaid Al Mazrouei; Dalia Al Muthanna; and Dr Karim Al Saghir, University Chancellor.
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
ALECGS participates in the 14th Board of Trustees meeting in Oman
Representatives of ABEGS member states were present, chaired by His Excellency Sulaiman bin Hamoud Al Harrasi, Advisor to the Minister of Education in the Sultanate of Oman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the current session, and in the presence of Her Excellency Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education in the Sultanate of Oman. Promoting the Arabic language The participation, which concluded on Wednesday, represented an important milestone for reviewing ALECGS efforts and pioneering programmes in developing the teaching and learning of Arabic. His Excellency Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of ALECGS, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman for its generous hosting and excellent organisation of the meeting and its accompanying program. Al Hammadi noted the support and cooperation provided, which reflects the spirit of joint Gulf action and embodies the depth of educational relations between the GCC states. Accredited programmes and international conferences During the meeting, ALECGS reviewed the most notable achievements of the previous session, 2023/2024. It implemented ten accredited programmes, including the publication of six scientific studies and nine publications for specialised conferences. It also organised two conferences and participated in twelve international conferences and eight international book fairs in several Arab capitals and cities. ALECGS also organised nine seminars and participated in eight others, in addition to a series of community events and specialised training courses, most notably ten training courses on the Reference Framework for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers. New programmes ALECGS also unveiled its new programmes for the current session, which began in January 2025. These include a range of qualitative studies, such as a study on developing reading and writing skills in early childhood in light of digital children's literature, a study on developing Arabic language teaching for upper grades through artificial intelligence applications, and the preparation of a reference framework for curriculum development based on digital citizenship requirements. The Center also held linguistic competitions, contests, conferences, and specialised educational meetings that serve this purpose. At the conclusion of the meeting, the board commended the Sultanate of Oman's efforts in making the meeting a success, expressing its appreciation for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and authentic coordination. The board also thanked Her Excellency Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education in the Sultanate of Oman. Field visits The accompanying programme included field visits to several educational and cultural institutions, most notably the Specialised Institute for Vocational Training for Teachers, which briefed the delegation on its experiences in developing educational competencies. The delegation also visited the Royal Opera House and some of the prominent historical landmarks in the capital, Muscat, reflecting the integrated educational and cultural dimensions of this participation. The meeting was attended by representatives of the member states of the Board of Trustees, who expressed their continued support for ALECGS progress and its purposeful programmes, emphasising the importance of this cooperation in building a shared linguistic and educational future for the Gulf states.
