NAU’s AIC 2024 Report
North American University’s 2024 Annual International Conference, held in Houston, TX, from May 10-12, witnessed an impressive turnout. The conference theme, “Sustainability and Responsibility in Higher Education,” attracted sixteen university delegations, comprising 40 individuals from nine countries (Bosnia, El Salvador, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, and the USA). Among the attendees were six university presidents and nine vice presidents, who participated in person.
The conference began on Friday, May 10, at the Stafford Centre with a President’s Panel. The panel addressed the conference theme at university, city, and national levels, exploring environmental, financial, ethical, and social dimensions. The afternoon session featured the presentation of peer-reviewed papers. The day culminated in a VIP Gala reception and dinner at the Raindrop Foundation, attended by academics, business professionals, and local community members. The program included a live music performance, an opening speech by Dr. Taban, and a keynote address by Rhonda Arnold from the Houston Airport System. Remarks were also delivered by Mr. Diagne Madiambal, President of the International Francophone Press Federation in Senegal. A short video highlighting the recent US-Africa summit in Dallas and NAU’s involvement in that high-level event was shown. The evening concluded with an awards ceremony for sponsors and a delightful dinner.
On Saturday, May 11, participants attended NAU’s vibrant Commencement ceremony, where approximately 120 graduates walked the stage. Several university presidents joined the graduation procession. Following the ceremony, a trip to the NASA Space Center was organized, providing an enriching experience for all attendees. The day concluded with dinners hosted by community members.
On Sunday, May 12, the conference continued on the university campus with introductory presentations and discussions on areas of collaboration. This was followed by the signing of MOU agreements, certificate presentations, and the exchange of gifts. In celebration of Mother’s Day, mothers in attendance participated in a cake-cutting ceremony. After lunch, a group photo session was held, followed by bilateral meetings between universities. The day concluded with a farewell dinner. Most participants departed from Houston on Monday, May 13.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and attendees for their active involvement and contribution to the success of the North American University 2024 Annual International Conference. Your presence and engagement made this event truly remarkable. Thank you.
NAU’s AIC 2023: A Report
North American University (NAU) hosted its third Annual International Conference (AIC) in Houston, Texas, USA with the theme of Global Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education from July 18-20, 2023. This conference successfully fulfilled its objective of bringing together many leading experts from multiple disciplines across the globe to discuss new trends, challenges, and opportunities in higher education. In this three-day conference, university administrators, government officials, diplomats, corporations, and researchers presented their ideas; gained insights into the challenges faced in this era of internationalization of higher education; identified innovative opportunities; and broadened their academic experiences through scholarly collaborations and learning from cross-border experiences.
This conference was attended by 24 participants in 11 delegations including 4 university presidents in-person from 14 countries, including Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Romania, Tanzania, The Netherlands, and Tunisia.
The conference was held at several locations: the Stafford Centre (July 18, 10 am – 4:30 pm, 10505 Cash Rd., Stafford, TX 77477); VIP reception and dinner at the Raindrop Foundation (July 18, 5:30 – 8:30 pm, 9301 W. Bellfort St., Houston TX 77031), and on the campus of North American University (July 19-20, 11929 W Airport Blvd., Stafford, TX 77477).
This conference’s several presentations, scholarly discussions, networking opportunities, and university presidents’ roundtables were mainly aimed at broadening the role of higher education globally and its impact on the sustainability of nations in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal #4 – Education and Goal #17 – Partnerships.
The inaugural session took place on the first day of the conference with a welcoming speech by Shweta Shroff (Library Director, NAU), followed by opening remarks by Dr. Serif Ali Tekalan (Vice President for International Affairs, NAU), keynote speech by Dr. Sreeram Chaulia (Professor and Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, India), and a keynote paper presentation on “Cloud Learning Applications as a Tool to Enhance Universities Innovative Performance” by Dr. Mohammed Taleb Obaidat (President of Jadara University, Jordan).
The concluding session included closing remarks by Dr. Faruk Taban (President, NAU).
The second day of this conference began with the University Presidents’ Roundtable (11 a.m. – 12 p.m., on the campus of North American University) followed by MoU Signing, certificate distribution, and lunch. After lunch, the delegates visited the NASA Space Center.
The following presentations took place during the University Presidents’ Roundtable:
- North American University (USA) by President Dr. Faruk Taban
- Jadara University (Jordan) by President Dr. Mohammed Taleb Obaidat
- Jindal School of International Affairs (India), by Professor and Dean Dr. Sreeram Chaulia
- The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, (Kenya) by Rector/Vice Chancellor Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari
- City College of San Fernando Pampanga (Philippines) by President Dr. Atty. Gloria Victoria Bañas
During this event, North American University signed MoUs with four universities: City College of San Fernando Pampanga (Philippines), Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya), The Kyrgyz National University (Kyrgyzstan), and Kyrgyz Scientific University of Economy (Kyrgyzstan).
Many networking sessions between university administrators took place during the conference’s third and last day, where the NAU Administration discussed potential collaboration opportunities with various university representatives.
Sponsors of this conference were Ibn Sina Foundation, Rupani Foundation, Houston Airport System, Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, Omar Kasani: Certified Public Accountant, Abu Omar, Café Layal, and Raindrop Foundation
Annual International Conference – 2022
North American University (NAU) hosted its second Annual International Conference in Houston, Texas, USA with the theme of “Internationalization of Higher Education” during July 19-20, 2022. Upper administration of universities and diplomats from throughout the world participated to discuss new trends and challenges in higher education and global education. 26 upper administrators, with 10 presidents in person, of 20 universities participated in this event from 16 countries, including Albania, Bosnia, Brazil, Cambodia, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Mozambique, Philippines, Tunisia, and the USA.
The conference was held at several locations: the Stafford Centre (July 19, 10a.m.- 5p.m., 10505 Cash Rd., Stafford, TX 77477); VIP reception and dinner at the Raindrop Foundation (July 19, 5:30-8:30p.m., 9301 W. Bellfort St., Houston TX 77031), and on the campus of North American University (July 20, 10a.m.-1p.m., 11929 W Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77477).
This two-day conference brought together university administrators, government officials, and corporations to present their ideas on the future dynamics and indicators of global education and the need, preparedness, and trends in the internationalization of higher education. The discussions were aimed at broadening the role of higher education globally and its impact on sustainability of nations in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) for nations. The discussions also explored expanding collaborations and expanding preparedness of global citizenry through higher education for the advancement of nations. Speakers were diplomats/Consul Generals, Mayor’s Office of International Trade, international researchers, university presidents, Houston Airport Systems, and corporate leaders. Presentations addressed issues such as the following: Preparedness for internationalization in higher education; structural, functional, administrative, academic, socio-cultural, etc.; Emerging ethical issues in higher education; Lessons learned during the pandemic that encouraged internationalization of higher education; Innovative solutions in times of uncertainty in the context of Internationalization of Higher Education; and, Moving ahead to the “New Normalcy.”
Group A presentations included a welcoming speech by Dr. Deandra Travis (Department Chair, Business Administration, North American University), opening remarks by Dr. Serif Ali Tekalan (Vice President for International Affairs, North American University), keynote speech by Dr. Hasnain Walji (a doctor, researcher, educator, and writer based in the USA) and two more presentations as follows:
· Millennium’s Perspectives for Higher Education Internationalization by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Taleb Obaidat (President of Jadara University, Jordan, Professor of CE at JUST University, Jordan)
· Internationalization of Higher Education by Prof. Mosleh M.S. Duhoky (Former President, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq)
Group B session included following four presentations:
· Internationalization of Higher Education: Institutional Policy and the Management of Internationalization by Prof. Rossana Valeria de Souza e Silva (Executive Director, The International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), Brazil)
· The Impact of Information Technologies in the Internationalization of the Universities After COVID 19 Pandemic by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana (President, Western Balkans University, Albania)
· Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia as an Effort to Improve the Quality of Human Resources in Facing Global Challenges by Prof. Dr. Amany Lubis (Rector, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Indonesia)
· Mobility and Internationalization: Experiences of Pathways to Higher Education Institutions (HEI) from Countries with Scarce Resources by Prof. Jorge Ferrao (Rector, Pedagogical University of Maputo, Mozambique)
Following were the presentations during Group C session:
· The Internationalization of Epoka University in Albania: Historical, Structural, Cultural, Administrative and Academic Aspects by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Oztas (Rector, Epoka University, Albania) and David Felsen (Vice Rector, Epoka University, Albania)
· An Institution’s Journey Towards Expanding Global Partnerships by Dr. Melanie Viloria-Briones (Vice President, Research and Extension, Mabalacat City College (MCC), Philippines) and Counselor Amelia Z. Macapagal (Assistant City Government Department Head, Mabalacat City College, Philippines)
· UEES Experience in the New Normalcy by Dr. Cristina de Amaya (Rector, Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador (UEES), El Salvador), Dr. Mirna García, Dr. Nuvia Estrada, María de los Angeles Mercado, Mario Parrillas, and Cesar Melendez
Group D presentations were as follows:
. Providing Quality Assurance Support to Teaching and Learning Services Remotely at Suleyman Demirel University (Kazakhstan) by Dr. Davronzhon Gaipov (Rector, Suleyman Demirel University, Kazakhstan)
· Study Abroad, Mobility, and Student Exchange by Dr. Ahmed Ben Taleb (Vice President, Computer Science Department, IT Business School, Tunisia), Dr. Safa Fennia (Head, Computer Science Department, IT Business School, Tunisia), and Prof. Dr. Jihed Majdoub (President, Professor, IT Business School, Tunisia)
· Human Values Are an Effective Way to Cross into a Global University Education by Prof. Dr. Abdelmajid Bouchebka (Head, Department of Islamic Studies, Choaib Doukkali University, Morocco)
· Emerging Ethical Issues in Higher Education by Prof. Dr. Farhat Nasreen (Head, Department of History & Culture, Jamia Millia Islamia, India)
· Feasibility of Lean Implementation of Teaching Process at Higher Education Institutions by Dr. Zhyldyzbek Zhakshylykov (Director, International Distance Learning Center and Professor, Ala-Too International University, Kyrgyzstan)
The concluding session included closing remarks by Dr. Javaid Laghari (Former Professor SUNY, Buffalo, NY, and Former President, SZABIST, Pakistan) and Dr. Faruk Taban (Interim President, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, North American University).
Partnering universities for this conference were IT Business School University (Tunisia); Jadara University (Jordan); Mabalacat City College (Philippines); Pharos University in Alexandria (Egypt); and Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador (UEES) (El Salvador).
Sponsors of this event were Ibn Sina Foundation, Optima Global Financial, Houston Airport System, Fadi’s, Omar Kasani: Certified Public accountant, Abu Omar, and Farouk Chi Biosilk.
During this event, North American University signed MOUs with Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador (El Salvador), Coimbra Group of Brazilian Universities (Brazil), Ala-Too University (Kyrgyzstan), IT Business School (Tunisia), Karaganda Buketov University (Kazakhstan), and Universidade Pedagógica do Maputo, (Mozambique).
This conference was streamed online for global participation and the official language of the Conference was English.
Annual International Conference – 2021
North American University (NAU) hosted its first Annual International Conference on its campus in Stafford, Texas, USA on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. It was also broadcasted live from the NAU’s website to benefit the audiences that were not able to attend the conference in person due to the pandemic situation. Having a theme of Future of Higher Education in an Online Environment, this international conference was aimed to share experiences, learn about how higher education in different countries has been transforming and what is perceived as a future of higher education in an online environment. It was educational in nature. The audience for this conference was vast and encompassed participation from across the globe and engaged university administrators, scholars, educators, professionals, and interested community members from eleven countries: Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tunisia, and the USA. Total 55 people participated, out of which 44 were in person and 11 were online participants. The event was viewed 290 times on YouTube by August 2, 2021. It was indeed a unique and fruitful learning experience for all involved.
This one-day conference had three sessions. All ten presenters (3 face-to-face and 7 online) and four closing remarks (3 face-to-face and 1 online) were enlightening and provided very helpful and productive information. The first session had opening remarks by the NAU President Prof. Dr. Serif Ali Tekalan, which was followed by a keynote from Prof. Dr. Mohammed Taleb Obaidat, President of Jadara University, Jordan, on Future of Higher Education in Jordan. The other three presentations in this session were:
- Growth Hacking in Higher Ed in Emerging Technologies by Mr. Prasad Mavuduri, CEO, University of Emerging Technologies, CA, USA
- Why Higher Education Still Needs Offline Learning While Doing Online Learning: Sociological Reflection by Prof. Dr. Amany Lubis, Rector, Syarif Hidayatullah State IslamicUniversity, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Administrators’ Perspective by Prof. Dr. Sanzharbek Erdolatov, Rector, Ala-Too International University, Kyrgyz
The second session took place after a short break and had five presentations. They were:
- Online Learning and Teaching Approaches During the Coronavirus Pandemic by Dr. Safa Fennia, Mr. Gailen Ben Marzouk, and Prof. Dr. Jihed Majdoub which was presented by Dr. Safa Fennia of It Business School, Nabeul, Tunisia
- Online Teaching and the Economics of Knowledge and Wisdom by Prof. Dr. Farhat Nasreen, Professor of History in the Department of History and Culture, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Future of Higher Education in an Online Environment by Prof. Dr. Rossana Valéria de Souza e Silva, International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities-GCUB, Unversity of Brazilia, Brazil
- Managing Higher Education Under Pandemic: El Salvador’s Experience by Dr. Nadia Menjívar Moran, General Director of the Graduate School, Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador (UEES)
- Internationalization of Higher Education: Virtual Mobilities & Challenges on a Digital Transformation Moment by Mr. Luis Ernesto Franchi and Mr. Ezequiel Mateo Martinich, which was presented by Mr. Franchi, Rector, Universidad de la Marina Mercante, Argentina and Mr. Martinich, Secretary of Institutional Relations, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Argentina
Just before lunch, North American University signed an MOU with Jadara University, Jordan. The postlunch third session concluded the event with closing remarks offered by eminent personalities. They were:
- Future of Higher Education in an Online Environment by Hon. Dr. Teta V. Banks, Director, University Advancement and Development, North American University, TX, USA
- Future of Higher Education in an Online Environment by Prof. Dr. Mosleh Duhoky, President, University of Duhok, Iraq
- COVID-19: A Disruptive Game Changer for Online Learning by Prof. Dr. Javaid Laghari, Former Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan
- Education | The Greatest Gift by Ramiz Tafilaj, Albanian-American businessman, philanthropist, activist, and publisher
