ATU signs MOU with Jordan University of Science and Technology

Arkansas Tech University and Jordan University of Science and Technology have entered into a memorandum of understanding that calls for the two institutions to promote scholarly activities and international understanding through mutually beneficial and cooperative programs.

The MOU was signed by ATU President Dr. Robin Bowen and JUST President Dr. Khalid El-Salem during a meeting at Chambers Cafeteria on the ATU campus in Russellville on Tuesday (June 21).

Located in Irbid, Jordan, JUST serves more than 30,000 students and offers 143 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Approximately 15% of its students are from outside the borders of Jordan.

Activities that could be explored as result of the MOU include mobility of faculty and/or staff, joint research activities and publications, participation in seminars and academic meetings and exchange of academic materials. Joint supervision of graduate students and special short-term academic programs are also possible due to the agreement.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with our colleagues from Jordan University of Science and Technology for the benefit of students, faculty and staff at both institutions,” Bowen said in a statement. “Agreements such as this align with our newly-adopted strategic plan and our institutional commitment to pursue partnerships that create innovative educational opportunities. I look forward to the positive outcomes from this MOU, and I am appreciative to Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe, ATU interim vice president for academic affairs, for her role in bringing this partnership to fruition.”

Members of the academic leadership at JUST are no strangers to Arkansas. El-Salem and Dr. Basheer Khassawneh, professor in the JUST Department of Internal Medicine and one of the institution’s representatives at the MOU signing, completed residencies at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences during their academic preparation.