Northern Kentucky University’s Dr. Shamima Ahmed will be accepted onto the Fulbright Specialist roster on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and World Learning. The Fulbright Program will match Ahmed’s academic interest with a host institution in one of 150 countries.
Within the next three years, Ahmed will be sent abroad for two-to-six weeks as an expert consultant on curriculum, faculty development, institutional planning and subjects related at educational institutions. Ahmed’s specialties include nonprofit and non-government organizations. She has taught courses on both while publishing two books and other relevant publications.
“Dr. Ahmed continues to excel in her scholarship and leadership,” said Dr. Diana McGill, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences. “To have only 1,200 U.S. scholars accepted into the program shows how lucky we are to have her with us on the faculty at NKU. We are delighted and proud that she will represent us on an international level.”
To be selected to the roster, one must have a history of professional and academic excellence where they have completed a terminal degree such as a PhD or JD, having published or exhibited work. Also, they must have a desire to engage in cross-cultural exchange while demonstrating a desire to work in diverse settings. Lastly, a roster member must demonstrate expertise in a specific task or subject area.
“I strongly believe in the values and merit of cross-cultural experiences in teaching and scholarship. As an academician, I view learning as a life-long pursuit,” said Ahmed. “The experience helps us in learning about and appreciating other cultures but also helps to learn ourselves better.”
Ahmed came to the United States from Bangladesh in 1984 as a student at the University of Akron’s Master of Urban Studies Program. After earning her Master’s Degree in 1986 and her Ph.D. in Public Administration/Public Policy in 1991, she taught at Indiana State University and Austin Peay State University before joining NKU in 1995 as a faculty member teaching mostly in the MPA program. Ahmed was the department chair from January 2010 until June 2017.
NKU Communications