UCF Delegation Eyes Joint Collaboration With Saudi Arabia’s PMU
The President of the University of Central Florida (UCF), Dr. John C. Hitt, his Special Assistant for Global Perspectives, Mr. John C. Bersia and Mr. David Dumke, Consultant in the Livingstone Group visited Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) for possible joint collaboration and exchange of views with the university authorities.
PMU Rector, Dr. Issa Al-Ansari welcomed this delegation with his team—Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Nassar Shaikh, Vice Rector for Business Affairs and Development, Dr. Adel Al-Saleh, Associate Vice Rector for Academic Affairs for the Female Campus, Dr. Philine Deraney, College Deans along with other university officials.
Both the universities signed a memorandum of understanding for the mutual cooperation.
“We encourage research activities for that we welcome the institutions of higher learning from around the world to collaborate for research and academic exchanges. Mutual collaboration between the renowned American public research university UCF and PMU can prove a new dawn,” said Dr. Al-Ansari.
PMU’s Dean of the Preparation Program and Director of Professional Development, Dr. Desmond Rice presented an overview of the university to the visiting team. This was followed by an open discussion to share views on the academic programs of mutual interest.
The visiting delegation exchanged views with PMU academic leadership and applauded its numerous steps to develop the institutional relations with leading institutions and corporate entities. Both parties shared views for joint efforts that are important for potential expansion of future academic collaborations.
“It would help Saudi youths to choose their desired academic streams in UCF or other US Universities after graduating from PMU, said Dr. Nassar M. Shaikh.
“PMU appreciates UCF’s space-grant university role and contributions in the areas of research. We explore new avenues for engineering, computer science, business administration and the other study programs by turning them more industry oriented for maximum acceptance worldwide,” he said further.
The UCF delegation expressed views that it conducts research in collaboration with many institutions worldwide and is keen to partner with PMU as well. The team visited the university auditorium, lecture halls and Learning Resource Centre before leaving the campus.