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The American University of Kuwait (AUK) continues to expand its global research collaborations through its longstanding partnership with Dartmouth College, as two AUK faculty members recently showcased their research and collaborative initiatives during faculty research gathering held at Dartmouth on July 27, 2026.
The event brought together faculty members and academic leaders from both institutions to explore new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and strengthen academic collaboration across a range of disciplines.
Representing AUK were Dr. Amro Nour, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Clark Stoeckley, Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design, who presented research projects developed in collaboration with Dartmouth faculty.
Dr. Nour highlighted PRINTHEAT, a research project funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The project is led by Dr. Nour, with Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, Associate Professor of Engineering at AUK, serving as Co-Principal Investigator and Professor Fridon Shubitidze of Dartmouth College serving as project consultant. The initiative focuses on developing standardized 3D-printed anatomical models for biomedical thermal studies, demonstrating the impact of international collaboration in advancing scientific research and innovation.
Dr. Stoeckley, recipient of the 2026 Dartmouth Faculty Fellowship, presented his collaborative research with Professor Tricia Treacy of Dartmouth's Department of Studio Art. Their project explores Islamic geometric design through risograph printmaking and the integration of traditional and digital artistic techniques. The resulting work will be exhibited at Dartmouth's Nearburg Gallery from August 6–21, 2026.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to highlight AUK's expanding research portfolio, faculty expertise, and growing capacity to support international research collaboration. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships in areas of shared academic strength, including engineering, computer science, and interdisciplinary research.
The event was attended by senior Dartmouth academic leaders, including Professor Jonathan Smolin, Director of the Dartmouth Initiative for Middle East Exchange (DIMEX), Professor David Kotz, DIMEX Faculty Ambassador to the Dartmouth–AUK Program, and Kerry Laufer, Executive Director of the Dartmouth–AUK Program, together with members of the DIMEX Advisory Board and faculty representing a wide range of academic disciplines.
The American University of Kuwait and Dartmouth College have maintained a successful academic partnership for more than two decades, encompassing faculty research, student programs, and a broad range of collaborative initiatives. Today, the partnership continues under the Dartmouth Initiative for Middle East Exchange (DIMEX), providing an expanded platform for collaborative research, academic exchange, and experiential learning opportunities.
Through strategic international partnerships such as its collaboration with Dartmouth College, AUK continues to advance its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and global engagement while providing its faculty and students with meaningful opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars and institutions worldwide. These efforts reflect the University's mission to foster academic excellence, generate impactful research, and prepare graduates to contribute to the advancement of Kuwait and the global community.
Dr. Amro Nour, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), and Professor Fridon Shubitidze of Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering
Clark Stoeckley the recipient of the summer 2026 faculty fellowship at Dartmouth attending a social dinner with Dr. Amro Nour, Professor Fridon Shubitidze and Kerry Laufer
Dartmouth and AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) participated in the Universities Exhibition, held from July 1 to 4, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to empowering students to build their academic and professional futures through high-quality education and a comprehensive university experience.
AUK’s booth attracted strong interest from students, parents, and other visitors, who had the opportunity to learn more about the University’s academic programs, admission procedures, scholarship opportunities, campus life, and the initiatives and opportunities designed to develop students’ skills and prepare them for the labor market.
The University also showcased the academic programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Faculty members were present to answer visitors’ questions and provide academic guidance to help prospective students select majors and academic pathways that align with their ambitions and interests.
AUK representatives highlighted the University’s educational environment, student activities, training and development opportunities, and initiatives that foster leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. These opportunities are designed to prepare students for professional life and enable them to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.
AUK’s participation forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with the community, introduce students and parents to its academic offerings, and support them in making informed educational decisions by providing the necessary information and guidance.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, the American University of Kuwait expressed its appreciation to everyone who visited its booth and reaffirmed its eagerness to welcome new students to campus and embark with them on a rewarding academic journey that contributes to building their futures and achieving their aspirations.
A group photo of representatives from AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors (KAAA) in a step aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions and supporting academic education and professional development, contributing to the preparation of highly qualified national talent capable of meeting the evolving needs of the labor market.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of AUK by Dr. Ali Charara, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and on behalf of the Association by Mr. Sabah Mubarak Al-Jallawi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors.
The MoU aims to expand cooperation across a range of joint initiatives, including organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops; exchanging expertise and knowledge; enhancing training and professional development opportunities for students; and implementing activities that contribute to the advancement of the accounting and auditing profession while strengthening the connection between academic learning and professional practice.
The partnership reflects the American University of Kuwait's commitment to building strategic relationships with leading professional organizations to enhance the quality of education and provide students with greater opportunities to gain practical experience and engage with industry professionals across various sectors. These efforts support the University's mission of preparing graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of today's workforce.
The Memorandum of Understanding also reaffirms the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and professional organizations through the development of joint initiatives and programs that promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and professional skills development, thereby contributing to the continued advancement of the accounting and auditing profession in the State of Kuwait.
Through its strategic partnerships, the American University of Kuwait continues to expand collaboration with local and regional institutions in line with its mission of delivering high-quality education and preparing graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society and support sustainable development.
A view of the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony
A group photo of representatives from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors (KAAA)
Dr. Ali Charara and Mr. Sabah Mubarak Al-Jallawi sign the Memorandum of Understanding
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Social Affairs to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement aims to provide assessment tests and professional preparation courses for applicants seeking financial and administrative controller positions at Kuwait’s cooperative societies (co-ops), thereby contributing to the development of national talent and enhancing applicants’ professional readiness.
The agreement reflects AUK’s commitment to its community role and its mission to support national development by delivering high-quality training and professional development programs based on leading academic and professional practices. These programs are designed to respond to labor market needs and the requirements of government institutions.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Quraishi, Director of the Center for Continuing Education at the American University of Kuwait, stated that the collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to leveraging its academic and training expertise in service of the community and to strengthening cooperation with government institutions.
Dr. Al-Quraishi said: "This partnership stems from the American University of Kuwait’s responsibility toward the community and its belief in the importance of supporting national initiatives that contribute to preparing qualified professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge required to perform their duties efficiently and professionally. Through this agreement, we seek to utilize the University’s academic expertise and resources in support of government institutions. We also look forward to establishing further strategic partnerships with ministries and government entities in a manner that advances Kuwait’s national development goals."
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, AUK’s Center for Continuing Education will organize and administer the assessment tests and professional preparation courses in accordance with academic and professional standards that ensure high-quality outcomes and effectively prepare applicants for positions at Kuwait’s co-ops.
The American University of Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its partnerships with the public and private sectors, further strengthening its role as an active partner in human capital development, promoting a culture of lifelong learning, and contributing to Kuwait’s vision of building a qualified national workforce capable of meeting the requirements of sustainable development.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Quraishi, Director General of the Center for Continuing Education at AUK
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Quraishi and Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi sign the Memorandum of Understanding
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has been granted Candidate for Accreditation Status by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) on March 12, 2026. The decision publicly announced by MSCHE.
MSCHE is one of the leading institutional accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education and accredits over 500 institutions of higher education, prestigious and Ivy league universities such as Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, New York University, and the American University of Beirut.
Achieving candidacy affirms AUK’s commitment to the highest standards of academic quality and positions the University on a clear path toward accreditation. For AUK students, this milestone reflects concrete progress toward ensuring their education meets internationally recognized standards of excellence.
This achievement follows an evaluation conducted by an MSCHE peer review team in November 2025, where AUK met all seven accreditation standards, and received zero requirements—the strongest possible outcome at the candidacy stage. In addition, AUK earned four commendations recognizing its transparency, collaborative institutional culture, quality of general education, and strong student support services.
AUK is the first institution in Kuwait to achieve MSCHE candidacy. As such AUK joins a select group of 16 institutions outside the United States affiliated with MSCHE. It is also the first new MSCHE candidate in the Middle East in over two decades, joining the American University in Cairo, the American University of Beirut, and the American University of Sharjah, in holding active MSCHE accreditation or candidacy status.
AUK already holds six U.S. programmatic accreditations, including AACSB, ABET, AALE, CEA, and one NASAD Substantial Equivalency recognition, spanning business, engineering computing, liberal education, English language, and design. In addition to the existing Private Universities Council institutional accreditation, MSCHE candidacy adds international institutional accreditation endeavors to this portfolio.
Dr. Aseel Alawadhi, President of AUK, stated:
“This candidacy reflects what AUK has built over the past two decades: strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and a genuine commitment to our students. As the first institution in Kuwait to reach this stage with MSCHE, we are proud of what this achievement says about the quality of our Liberal Arts education at AUK.”
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted its 2026 Engineering Capstone Projects Exhibition, showcasing innovative projects developed by students from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The exhibition highlighted the culmination of the students' academic journey and demonstrated their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to develop practical solutions that address future challenges. The event was attended by the University's President, faculty members, representatives from government and private sector organizations, parents, and invited guests.
The exhibition featured a diverse range of engineering and technology projects that reflected the students' creativity, innovation, and technical expertise. Projects addressed a variety of contemporary fields, including recycling and environmental sustainability, augmented reality, smart home systems, and Natrix, a search and rescue system. Students also presented interactive projects based on the Escape Room concept, demonstrating their ability to develop innovative solutions that respond to community needs while keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.
The exhibition also provided students with the opportunity to present their projects to faculty members, industry professionals, and representatives from participating organizations, allowing them to discuss their ideas, exchange expertise, and receive valuable feedback. This experience further strengthened their communication and professional presentation skills while reinforcing the connection between academic learning, practical application, and the evolving demands of the job market.
The event underscored the importance of capstone projects as a cornerstone of the students' academic experience. These projects enable students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies to design and implement innovative solutions to real-world challenges, while demonstrating their readiness to transition into their professional careers.
The Engineering Capstone Projects Exhibition reflects the American University of Kuwait's ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific research, promoting applied learning, and providing students with a platform to showcase their academic achievements. This commitment aligns with the University's mission to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to contribute to sustainable development and meet the demands of the future.
A view of the American University of Kuwait's (AUK) 2026 Engineering Capstone Projects Exhibition
Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait (AUK), with Dr. Ali Charara, Dr. Mohammed El-Abd, and Dr. Mounib Khanafer during the 2026 Engineering Capstone Projects Exhibition
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) continues to expand opportunities for students to gain international academic and cultural experiences through its growing network of partnerships with leading universities around the world.
This summer, AUK students Nora Darkhabani and Sara Dallol have begun their Study Abroad journey at the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom. Marking the second cycle of AUK students participating in the University of Roehampton exchange, this latest cohort reflects the continued success of the partnership and its growing impact in providing students with meaningful international learning opportunities. The program enables students to earn academic credit while immersing themselves in a new cultural environment, broadening their global perspectives, and developing the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
International student programs are a cornerstone of AUK’s commitment to preparing globally minded graduates by fostering cross-cultural learning, personal growth, and academic excellence. Through these experiences, students strengthen their adaptability, independence, and intercultural competencies while building lasting connections beyond the classroom. As AUK continues to strengthen its relationships with distinguished international institutions such as the University of Roehampton, students gain access to transformative opportunities that enrich both their academic and personal development.
The University looks forward to welcoming Nora and Sara back to campus and celebrating the valuable global perspectives, experiences, and insights they will bring to the AUK community.
AUK students Nora Darkhabani and Sara Dallol
AUK students Nora Darkhabani and Sara Dallol
AUK President, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, welcomed Sheikha Dr. Al-Anoud Ibrahim Al-Sabah, Acting Director General of the National Library of Kuwait (NLK), to discuss potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions. The visiting team included Ms. Anwar Al-Dhamer, Director of the Arab Heritage department; Ms. Adhari Al-Hayef, Director of the Copyright Department; Mr. Abdulaziz Abu Al-Hasan; and Ms. Sara Al-Shehab.
As part of the visit, the NLK Team visited the AUK Library and met with the Library Director to learn about the library's services, technologies, and systems. The meeting focused on identifying opportunities for future collaboration between the two libraries.
AUK President, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, along with Sheikha Dr. Al-Anoud Ibrahim Al-Sabah, Acting Director General of the National Library of Kuwait (NLK)
Group photo of AUK and NLK management team
General photo from the event
General photo from the event
The American University of Kuwait (AUK), in collaboration with KidZania Kuwait, proudly participated in activities organized in celebration of World Environment Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.
As part of this collaboration, AUK took part in a series of community-focused activities designed to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices among individuals and organizations.
One of the key highlights of the collaboration was the Tree Plantation Drive held at the Shamiya Greenhouse, where participants came together to contribute to environmental conservation efforts and support a greener future. AUK also joined KidZania Kuwait for the closing ceremony, which brought together community members, families, and partner organizations to celebrate collective efforts toward environmental sustainability.
Through this partnership, AUK and KidZania Kuwait sought to raise awareness about the importance of adopting sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and encouraging positive environmental action within the community.
World Environment Day serves as a global platform for inspiring action on environmental challenges, including climate change, waste reduction, and resource conservation. By collaborating with KidZania Kuwait on this initiative, AUK further demonstrated its dedication to fostering environmental consciousness and creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement.
AUK remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, social responsibility, and active citizenship while empowering future generations to contribute to a more sustainable world.
This collaboration reflects AUK’s mission to cultivate responsible leaders who are prepared to address global challenges through innovation, education, and community involvement.
For more information about AUK’s sustainability and community engagement initiatives, follow AUK on its social media channels or visit the university’s website.
Mrs. Yasmeen Alsalem, PR & Marketing Director at AUK
General photo from the World Environment Day 2026 activity organized by KidZania Kuwait with the participation of AUK
General photo from the World Environment Day 2026 activity organized by KidZania Kuwait with the participation of AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) marked a strong presence at the Derasti 2026 Exhibition, held at 360 Mall from Thursday, May 14, to Saturday, May 16, attracting a large number of prospective students and parents interested in exploring higher education opportunities and academic programs.
AUK's exhibition booth witnessed significant engagement, as representatives from the Office of Admissions, along with staff from various university departments, welcomed visitors and provided comprehensive information on the University's academic programs, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, campus life, and the wide range of student activities available at AUK.
During the exhibition, the University showcased its diverse portfolio of academic programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the job market through its three academic colleges: the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Arts and Sciences.
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Systems. The College of Business and Economics offers programs in Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Management, Economics, and Human Resources Management. Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences offers programs in Graphic Design, Media, English, International Relations, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Commenting on the University's participation, Dr. Asheel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait, stated that AUK's participation in the Derasti 2026 Exhibition reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting students and helping them make informed academic and career choices. She emphasized that the University remains dedicated to providing a modern educational environment that aligns with international standards while responding to the evolving needs of today's job market.
Dr. Al-Awadhi added that AUK is committed to preparing a new generation of graduates equipped with leadership skills, practical knowledge, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on both the local and international workforce and society.
The American University of Kuwait affirmed that its participation in the Derasti 2026 Exhibition forms part of its continuous efforts to engage with prospective students and their families, helping them make confident and well-informed educational decisions while introducing them to the University's dynamic academic environment, which is designed to prepare students for successful professional careers.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, the University expressed its appreciation to everyone who visited the AUK booth and looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of ambitious students into its academic community.
Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait (AUK)
A group photo featuring members of AUK's Admissions, Public Relations, and Marketing teams, along with faculty members, joined by Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, President of the American University of Kuwait, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, Vice President for Student Affairs
General view of the American University of Kuwait's (AUK) participation in the Derasti Exhibition
General view of the American University of Kuwait's (AUK) participation in the Derasti Exhibition
