AURAK appoints David A. Schmidt as its new President
Academic leader’s expertise spans 16 educational institutions
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has announced the appointment of Dr. David A. Schmidt as its new President.
Schmidt succeeds Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, who retires after a decade as AURAK President.
Established in 2009 in Ras Al Khaimah emirate in the UAE, AURAK is a public, non-profit, independent, coeducation institution delivering an American undergraduate and graduate education curriculum with a strong focus on Emirati culture.
Schmidt brings to AURAK 33 years of experience as an executive academic leader and faculty member, spanning several educational institutions – public, private, and international, including the University of Wisconsin System.
Before joining AURAK, Schmidt served as the President of the American University in Dubai (AUD).
‘Disruptive education phase’
Schmidt said about his new leadership role at AURAK: “It is an exciting and challenging time to join AURAK when the higher education landscape is going through a disruptive phase.
“Today’s altered landscape of higher education demands a new approach. I am confident my extensive experience, along with the amazing faculty and staff of AURAK, will help the university achieve its goals,” he added.
Schmidt holds a PhD from Saint Louis University, an MA from The Ohio State University and a BA from the University of Wisconsin.
He is a recipient of the Association of International Administrators Presidential Fellowship, the Korea Foundation Research Fellowship, and the Mombushō Fellowship.
He has also participated as a fellow in Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management.
Schmidt regards himself as a ‘global nomad’, having had the privilege of working or studying at 16 different universities in 15 cities across five countries.
AURAK boasts exceptional facilities and a world-class faculty at its Ras Al Khaimah emirate campus, a 90-minute ride from Dubai City.
The university offers 24 higher education programmes across three distinctive schools, with a headcount of nearly 1,300 students from 45 diverse nationalities.
Featured image: Some of the 1,000+ students on campus: Image: AURAK
