Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hijleh Begins His Term as President of Birzeit University

Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees has announced that Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hijleh will be starting his term to serve as President of Birzeit University as of today, Saturday, August 1st, 2015. This comes as a result of his appointment by the Board of Trustees in May 2015. Dr. Abdul Latif is now successor to Dr. Khalil Hindi, who served as President of Birzeit University from August 2010 until the end of July 2015.

On this occasion, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Hanna Nasir, has expressed his deep trust in Dr. Abdul Latif’s leadership of Birzeit University in the coming term. Dr. Hanna referred to Dr. Abdul Latif’s extensive knowledge and experience, both as a University faculty member and administrator. With a Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Dr. Abdul Latif is a full Professor at the Faculty of Science, where he previously served as Dean. In addition, Dr. Abdul Latif has also taken on the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs for eleven years; during which time the University experienced marked growth in its academic program offerings.

On other hand, Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hijleh says:" I am pleased and honored to start my post  as president of the first established Palestinian university. This university which believes in liberty and respect the other ‘s opinions  in an atmosphere of independence  which has accomplished a significant  international reorganization in a short period since its establishment, will continue to serve its Palestinian society to graduate qualified women and men ready to lead and  serve their Palestinian society in particular and their Arabic society and contribute in advancement  of the humanities in general. It will intensify the  interaction  with its Palestinian society  and do its best to contribute in its development.

Dr. Abdul Latif is a strong proponent of the University’s principles of liberalism and intellectual freedom. Dr. Hanna Nasir stressed that Dr. Abdul Latif will have the full support of the Board of Trustees, as the Board is well aware of the great responsibility that lies ahead.

Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hijleh has also served as a faculty member at several international universities, among them, the University of Bergen (Norway), as well as Tennessee University and Mississippi University (United States of America). He has published a wealth of articles in the field of chemistry. His article, “Use of Copper Components with Antibiotics such as Aspirin, to Create Antioxidant Enzymes” is considered to be the most renowned of his work due to its significance to the treatment of cancer and diabetes.

Birzeit University welcomes Dr. Abu Hijleh, wishing him great success in his new position as President of Birzeit University.