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Bridging Academics and Industry at the American University of Bahrain

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Excellence in Education Leadership 2024 is a series where we shine a spotlight on the heads of schools and universities in Bahrain. We sit down with these leaders and uncover the insights, aspirations, and strategies driving them to shape the future of education.

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Bradley J. Cook, President of the American University of Bahrain (AUBH).


What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an education leader in the past year?

As leaders, it is imperative that we keenly observe and internalize these lessons that the world teaches us, utilizing them as compass points to steer our decisions and actions effectively, and embracing the idea that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and refinement. Over the past year, the deepest lesson I have learned is the paramount importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of education. This lesson has reinforced the notion that true leadership transcends mere management; it involves making the right decisions at the right time, inspiring and influencing individuals towards a shared vision, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.


What was the most significant highlight for the University in the past year?

One of the most significant highlights for AUBH in the past year was the launch of the cutting-edge Interdisciplinary Collaborative Engineering (ICE) Lab. This milestone not only symbolizes a leap forward in innovation and technology but also represents a pivotal moment in the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning. The ICE Lab stands as a testament to AUBH’s dedication to providing students with hands-on experience, equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In addition to this milestone, the University also celebrated several other notable achievements that have solidified its position as a trailblazer in the realm of higher education, such as our agreement signed with the Labour Fund, Tamkeen to provide training opportunities for our students at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) for a full year, our partnership with Premo Group which is aimed at cultivating the next generation of engineering leaders through the offering of international scholarships to two of our engineering graduates annually, and our strategic partnership with McLaren Group to provide a one-year internship for our graduates with Engineering, Computing and Business and Management degrees.


What in your opinion makes AUBH an ideal choice for students?

AUBH is an ideal choice for students for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, we prioritize student success, evident through the valuable opportunities provided in terms of internships. We take great pride in our partnerships forged last year with companies and industries both within and outside Bahrain, ensuring that upon graduation, students possess practical experience. For example, our students are either interning or working with prestigious organisations such as McLaren in the UK, Premo in Spain, and CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. These opportunities continually arise for our students, reflecting our student-centric ethos. Additionally, our campus itself is tailored to cater to students seeking not just a top-tier education but also a vibrant social life.

Plus, the university’s distinguished faculty members, who are experts in their respective fields, provide a nurturing environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and practical skills essential for success in today’s competitive world. Furthermore, AUBH’s majors and degree programs stand out as ideal choices for students due to their alignment with the latest requirements of the labor market locally and globally, and we are sure this forward-thinking approach not only enhances students’ employability but also positions them for success in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.


Since we last spoke, what are some of the educational innovations implemented at the University that promote quality education?

Over this period, AUBH has introduced several educational innovations aimed at enhancing the quality of education. These include the integration of advanced technology in classrooms to facilitate interactive learning experiences, the expansion of collaborative research opportunities for students and faculty, the implementation of personalized learning pathways to cater to individual student needs, and the enhancement of support services to promote student success and well-being.

The AUBH quality of American-style education mirrors that of the best universities in the United States. The University’s unique academic structure enables students to find their true passions and allows them to develop their abilities, leading to long-term successful careers in their chosen industry.

AUBH is proud to have received recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan in December 2023. This recognition underscores the University’s commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.


Do you think it helps for educational institutions to have a social media presence? How do you leverage it to engage with the community?

Absolutely, having a robust social media presence is paramount for educational institutions in today’s digital age, and it is already used in 85% of higher education institutions for academic and professional purposes around the world. We believe that social media has the potential to connect educational institutions to the wider community for purposes including sharing institutional news, promoting events, showcasing campus life, advertising initiatives, and showcasing the institution’s achievements.

At AUBH, we leverage our social media platforms strategically to foster an active dialogue with students, alumni, prospective applicants, and the wider community. Through regular updates, engaging content, live sessions, and interactive campaigns, we not only share information about campus events, academic programs, and accomplishments but also actively listen to feedback, address queries, and build a sense of community and belonging.

We firmly believe that by utilizing social media as a dynamic communication channel, we bridge the gap between the institution and its audience, creating a vibrant online space where ideas are exchanged, achievements are celebrated, and relationships are nurtured.


What kind of opportunities do faculty members at AUBH have for continuous professional development?

Continuous professional development for faculty members is a top priority at AUBH, ensuring that educators have access to a wide range of diverse professional growth opportunities. The opportunities are available to them mainly through the university’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) and other channels such as their colleges, the Provost’s Office, or the AUBH Research Center. These opportunities include workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions organized and delivered in-house by the CTLE, or delivered by other AUBH academic staff, or the Office of the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation.

Other activities are provided by external stakeholders, such as guest speakers or presenters, and many others are accessible through the Coursera platform, to which AUBH subscribes. The topics covered in the professional development opportunities are varied, with some focusing on teaching and assessment, others on research methods, and several on quality matters, to mention only a few. Also, the University sponsors AUBH faculty to pursue and benefit from training and development opportunities beyond its campus, whether regionally or internationally.


What was the best thing that happened to you when you were a student?

That is difficult to narrow down. College was a great time in my life, and I loved every minute of it. One of the most valuable aspects that I experienced as a student was the incredible friendships I made. These relationships not only enriched my social life but also expanded my network and opened doors to various opportunities. Building strong connections during my university years not only enhanced my social skills but also proved to be invaluable in my professional journey. I advise all students to prioritize cultivating meaningful relationships during their time at university, as these connections can have a lasting impact both personally and professionally.


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