OXFORD, Miss. – The chancellor of the American University
of Iraq-Sulaimani visits the University of Mississippi
Thursday (April 10).
Owen Cargol is scheduled to meet with UM administrators and
interact with students, faculty and staff throughout the
day, including two public events.
Cargol’s discussions are expected to focus on the steps
that have been taken to start the Western-style American
University of Iraq, similar to institutions founded decades
ago in Beirut and Cairo. Established in 2007, AUI-S is
envisioned to become the foremost educational institution
in developing future leaders for the Middle East.
All UM students are invited to attend a seminar at 10:30
a.m. in Conner Hall, Room 110. The 45-minute presentation
is to provide an overview of the activity involved in
establishing a Western-style university in a nation
experiencing war, civil conflict, ethnic and religious
strife.
Cargol has scheduled a free, public seminar noon-1:30 p.m.
in Conner Hall, Room 110. Lunch is to be provided for
attendees, and UM faculty and staff are encouraged to
attend. Reservations are required by e-mailing
jholleman@bus.olemiss.edu by noon Wednesday.
At 3 p.m. in Lyceum 200, Cargol plans to address graduate
students and faculty about for-profit versus not-for-profit
higher education, gender segregation, and political and
cultural constraints on the curriculum in Iraq. The event
is also open to the public at no charge.
“The University of Mississippi is well respected both for
its academic programs and its international outreach
efforts,” Cargol said. “As such, the American University
has a particular interest in exploring with Ole Miss
officials the possibilities for future collaboration.”
UM is honored to host Cargol, said John Holleman, director
of corporate relations and MBA services in the UM School of
Business Administration.
“Given that the American University of Iraq is modeled
after the famous, Western-style universities in Cairo and
Beirut, and that its students are the future leaders of
Iraqi Kurdistan, it’s a high honor to be able to host Dr.
Owen Cargol,” Holleman said. “I believe our university
community will come away from his visit much more informed
on the unique and challenging circumstances faced by Iraqi
Kurdistans as we hear about the important work being done
at the American University of Iraq.”
Cargol is the founding regent chancellor and CEO of the
American University of Iraq-Sulaimani. Previously, he was
the founding governor and provost of the Abu Dhabi
University (United Arab Emirates) for four years. He earned
his Ed.D. in higher education administration from
Pennsylvania State University and completed postdoctoral
studies at Harvard University. He also was a Fulbright
scholar in the Federal Republic of Germany.
For more information or assistance related to a disability,
contact Holleman at 662-915-5483. To learn more about the
UM School of Business Administration, visit