The American University in Dubai (AUD), in line with its external relations mission to build and sustain enduring relationships between the university and local, regional and international communities, recently welcomed Lt. Governor John D. Cherry from the State of Michigan in the US on a visit to the UAE to foster relationships in the region.

Lt. Governor Cherry’s AUD visit kicked off with a tour of the campus conducted by Ms. Peggy Awad, External Relations Manager at AUD joined by Professor Youssef Beydoun, Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at AUD and member of a task force recommending the Universal Education Program to the Michigan Board of Education.

Lt. Governor Cherry then met with President Dr. Lance de Masi and Dr. Jihad Nader, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUD and discussed his vision of improving higher education in the State of Michigan: Michigan’s economic sustainability in the 21st century will require better access to higher education for every citizen.

On the visit and its positive outcome, Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD said "AUD’s student body has typically included students from the U.S. State of Michigan, whether as Study Abroad or Clinton Scholars. Lt. Governor Cherry’s visit focused on the benefits of international exchange programs and identified opportunities for increasing traffic in both directions. AUD’s new Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies was a key element in the discussion".

AUD, as an international institution of higher education, encourages global understanding by providing an atmosphere of cultural diversity and opportunities for an international education. In this regard, the university has been working very closely with the Clinton Foundation, and has been fostering relationships and creating opportunities to expand its exchange/study abroad programs. As such, Ms. Awad will be working closely with the office of Lt. Governor Cherry to promote the Clinton Scholarship at AUD.

Lt. Governor Cherry also had the chance to speak with American students at AUD, including students from the state of Michigan, discussing the economic situation back home and the importance of strengthening study abroad programs in the region. "In a global economy, [universities] offering Michigan students an academic experience in the Arab gulf region […] will strengthen their career skills and make them highly attractive job candidates to businesses back home," Lt. Governor Cherry commented after his visit to AUD.

The Lt. Governor also had discussions with U.A.E. Government officials about renewing the sister city relationship between Dubai and Detroit and about future cultural exchanges between Michigan and the Gulf region. "Dubai is fast becoming a technological leader in the Middle East," Lt. Governor said. "Our goal in visiting Dubai was to foster a link with the United Arab Emirates that will last for years to come".