Dr. Mehvash Ali, Director of the Academic Support Center (ASC) at American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been selected for the Emerging Leaders Program of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Dr. Ali is one of only ten who have been selected internationally for the program's class of 2016-2018.

NACADA is an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators and students working to enhance the educational development of students. Its Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) provides an intentional and focused mentoring experience to members who are interested in leadership positions within the association and in the field of academic advising. Dr. Ali also currently serves as the International Perspectives Chair of the NACADA's Professional Development Committee as well as on its Global Initiatives Committee.

"We are extremely proud of Dr. Ali and know that NACADA, American University of Sharjah and Dr. Ali will benefit from her involvement in this program," said Charlie L. Nutt, Executive Director of NACADA. "Dr. Ali will be provided some funding by NACADA to assist her in experiencing our programs or events that are relevant to completing the goals she sets with her mentor."

"Dr. Ali's selection for NACADA's Emerging Leaders Program is a significant and well-deserved achievement," said Kevin Mitchell, Interim Provost. "The work done by the Academic Support Center team under Dr. Ali's leadership is representative of the university's commitment to student success and support beyond the classroom. This latest accolade is a testament to Dr. Ali's ability and it underscores the key role that the center plays in fulfilling the academic mission of AUS," he added.

"I am grateful for this opportunity," said Dr. Ali. "I look forward to taking on more leadership roles within the global academic advising community and to position AUS at the forefront of international best practices in the field of academic advising."

The AUS Academic Support Center seeks to assist students in achieving academic success and works with students who are facing academic challenges to provide them with advising and skills development training required for academic progression. The ASC also coordinates academic accommodation for students with documented disabilities that are impacting their academic performance, to the extent permissible by available resources. Dr. Ali has served as Director of the Academic Support Center since 2012.