Birzeit University, William Paterson University agreement grounds business, music and pharmacy partnerships
Birzeit University, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Talal Shahwan, recently signed amemorandum of understanding (MoU) with William Paterson University, represented by its Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Joshua Powers to establish a cooperative framework between the institutions.
William Paterson University is a leading public university in New Jersey, the United States. More than 10,000 students are enrolled in its many undergraduate and graduate degree programs through four colleges: The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Cotsakos College of Business; the College of Education; and the College of Science and Health.
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Birzeit University and William Paterson University will lay the groundwork for academic cooperation between faculty and staff members, with plans for joint research programs and student and faculty exchange initiatives. The business, music, pharmacy, and Middle Eastern studies will be the first to incorporate this joint work.
Through the MoU, both universities will establish exchange programs for students and faculty; launch cultural experience programs, research collaborations; and developing joint degree programs. In addition, music students and faculty will participate In summer residency programs offered by both universities, including William Paterson’s Summer Jazz Workshop, and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music summer camps.
Guided by the Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation, the MoU is the result of continuous efforts and commitment between the presidents of both universities, Professors Beshara Doumani and Richard J. Helldobler.
Attending the ceremony were Birzeit University Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Talal Shahwan, Vice President for Advancement Dr. Ghassan Khatib, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics Dr. Grace Khoury, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Art, Music and Design Dima Yaser, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Rania Abu-Hamdah, Director of the External Academic Relations Office Dr. Amir Khalil and Section Head of Development Raghda Shamali
The new cooperation was celebrated at a gala dinner, gathering representatives from the public, private and business sectors and philanthropists and academics from Birzeit University. The event was organized by Birzeit University and the Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation.
During the dinner, Shahwan said in his welcoming remarks that the partnership with William Paterson University was gained “with respect to the philosophy of development of both universities: openness and international networking.”
Shahwan emphasized the importance of collective efforts to empower the next generation to reach their potential as leaders who can contribute significantly to their local communities, their countries and beyond.
Powers, in turn, pointed out that William Paterson University offers a wide array of learning opportunities through its diverse and interdisciplinary programs to students from around the globe.
With distinguished faculty, diverse programs and an excellent student body at both universities, the new partnership will create real change for a better world through knowledge exchange and collaboration.
