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29 April, 2011

Bethlehem University Hosts Launching Ceremony for Center for Teaching Excellence

Center for Teaching ExcellenceBethlehem, April 6, 2011-04-07 – On March 31, Bethlehem University hosted representatives from USAID, AMIDEAST and the PFDP where a signing ceremony was held to launch the establishment of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Bethlehem University. Opening remarks were given by Br. Robert Smith – Vice President for Academic Affairs, Br. Peter Bray – Vice Chancellor, Dr. John Shumaker - PFDP Chief of Party, and Mr. Michael Harvey - USAID Mission Director before the signing took place.

The establishment of the Center, is funded by USAID and the Open Center for Teaching ExcellenceSociety Institute (OSI) and administered by the Palestinian Faculty Development Program (PFDP)/ AMIDEAST. The Center will have joint activities with international universities and locals, particularly with Al Najah University - Nablus and two U.S. universities: Portland State University and Northwestern University.

Br. Robert and Dr. Rabab have been ardently working with our partners to establish this vital project, which seeks to create a professional learning environment with improved teaching and research methodologies and raise academic standards at Bethlehem University and throughout Palestine, with Bethlehem University as a model institution, according to Mr. Steve Keller, AMIDEST Country Director. Dr. Rabab spoke about the change process, which she declared happens when educators are active & leaders in the process of their professional development rather than 'receivers' of imposed innovations.

Center for Teaching ExcellenceGuests included:

  • Mr. Michael Harvey - USAID Mission Director and colleagues
  • Leslie Nucho - Vice President for Programs for AMIDEAST in Washington, D.C.
  • Mr. Steve Keller -  AMIDEST Country Director and colleagues
  • Dr. John Shumaker -  PFDP Chief of Party and colleagues/partners in Palestine
  • Mr. Fuad Kattan - Chair of our Board of Trustees
  • Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and  Bethlehem Education Office
  • Colleagues and partners from An-Najah University and Northwestern University of Chicago
  • Guests and representatives of other Palestinian universities
  • Members of the Executive Council, Academic Council, and other BU community members

Bethlehem University thanks USAID, AMIDEAST, OSI, and the PFDP and looks forward to raising the bar of education in Palestine. THANK YOU

 

 
Bethlehem University Foundation
Email: brds@bufusa.org
Phone: +1-240-241-4381
Fax: +1-240-553-7691
Beltsville, MD USA
Bethlehem University in the Holy Land
E-mail: info@bethlehem.edu
Phone: +972-2-274-1241
Fax: +972-2-274-4440
Bethlehem, Palestine