Sharjah Ruler chairs AUS BOT meeting and approves master’s in biomedical engineering

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), expressed his satisfaction at the progress and growth witnessed by AUS and approved a number of important initiatives that will further bolster the university's efforts to become the leading teaching and research university in the region. The Sharjah Ruler, who is the Chairman of the AUS Board of Trustees, delivered these remarks during the Board of Trustees' quarterly meeting held today, June 12, on the university campus.

Chief among the initiatives sanctioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan was the approval of a proposal presented for the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree as a partnership between the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. This latest initiative follows the board's earlier approval of proposals for various graduate programs including PhD programs in business administration and engineering. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan said that this is another step towards making AUS a premier research university.

Sheikh Sultan also thanked trustees Dr. Roderick French and Dr. Leroy S.Fletcher for their efforts as they have completed their tenure on the board.The board designated Dr. French and Dr. Fletcher as Emeritus Trustees in honorof their service to AUS.

The board discussed and approved a number of other matters pertaining to the efficient running of the university, including the university's FY 2016 budget, and the income distribution for endowed chairs and professorships as well as the awarding of rolling contracts and faculty promotions to more than 45 faculty members. The board also discussed the future course of action with regards to the Research Technology and Innovation Park and the need for coordination with Sharjah government entities and how to move forward with the master plan.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan for his continued support to AUS. "AUS is committed to providing the best education and research, both at the undergraduate and the graduate level," said Dr. Kjerfve. "The addition of new graduate programs is part of the university's drive to become one of the elite institutions for research in the Gulf and beyond. The university's future has been clearly charted, and it is well on its way to achieving its goals with the guidance of His Highness and the support of the board," he added.

Prior to the board meeting, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan was presented with an artwork done by final year students from the College of Architecture, Art and Design as a token of their appreciation for his unconditional support.