Dr. Maureen Andrade, an organizational leadership professor at Utah Valley University, was selected by the United States Embassy in Qatar to be an Accreditation Specialist in the Fulbright International Educational Exchange Program.

Fulbright Specialists are a diverse group of highly experienced, well-established faculty members and professionals representing various academic disciplines and professions. To be eligible to serve as a Fulbright Specialist, candidates must have significant experience in their respective work.

The Fulbright Specialist Program allows overseas universities, cultural centers, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions abroad to develop short-term collaborative projects focused on education and training.

Dr. Andrade is currently collaborating with the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education to develop accreditation criteria based on the U.S. system but reflecting Qatar's unique context and culture, including its European branch universities.

“It is hoped that the accreditation scheme will be a model for other Gulf countries,” Dr. Andrade said.

Dr. Andrade arrived in Doha, Qatar, on October 1 and will work through November 11. She said the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries.

“This has been the most rewarding aspect of my experience,” Dr. Andrade said. “Talking with people on a daily basis at the ministry about culture and context differences and how these affect higher education leadership and the student experience. I’ve been listening and learning and sharing U.S. practices.”

“Without a doubt, this one of the best professional experiences I’ve had,” she continued, “It’s been fascinating to work one on one with people here to see how they do things and to learn about their culture and identify new possibilities.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Andrade for participating in this esteemed program!

Photo courtesy  of Maureen Andrade