On January 9, 2025, the University of Duhok (UoD) proudly hosted a high-level U.S. delegation to explore impactful projects supported by U.S. partners and reaffirm commitments to advancing education, innovation, and development in the Kurdistan Region.

Led by UoD President Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, the discussions highlighted the university’s ambitious journey toward digital transformation, a cornerstone of UoD’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038. Dr. Atrushi emphasized the critical role of international partnerships in modernizing digital infrastructure and capacity building to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. He expressed profound gratitude to U.S. partners, particularly USAID, for their unwavering support of UoD’s mission.

Delegation Visit: Strengthening Ties and Exploring Impactful Projects

The distinguished U.S. delegation included:

• Pamela Hack, Deputy Principal Officer, U.S. Consulate General in Erbil
• Erin Mone-Marquez, USAID Mission Director in Iraq
• Christine Danton, Director of the STAB Office (Office of Science and Technology Advisors to the Bureau)
• Victoria Jackson, Representative of the U.S. Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)
• Reving Mizory, Education Adviser at U.S. Consulate General

The delegation toured UoD’s Botanical Garden, a vibrant hub for conservation and research established under the USAID-supported Agricultural Restoration project. They also visited the Career Development Center (CDC), where they engaged with staff to discuss initiatives designed to enhance student employability and community impact.

Digital Transformation: A Vision for the Future

During the visit, Dr. Atrushi underscored UoD’s commitment to digital transformation, highlighting it as a key pillar of the university’s Strategic Planning. He called for continued U.S. support in:

• Expanding digital infrastructure to modernize education delivery
• Building digital literacy and capacity among faculty and students
• Integrating technology-driven solutions into administrative and academic processes

“Digital transformation is not just a necessity but a pathway to achieving academic excellence, fostering innovation, and creating a globally competitive university,” Dr. Atrushi stated.

Recognizing U.S. Partners’ Contributions

Dr. Atrushi expressed heartfelt thanks to USAID, whose projects have significantly enhanced UoD’s capabilities in research, education, and community engagement. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of Indiana University, Purdue University, and other U.S. institutions in fostering UoD’s growth.

Strategic Planning and Community Impact

The visit reinforced UoD’s alignment with regional and international priorities, emphasizing sustainable development and innovation. As part of its Strategic Plan, UoD continues to focus on delivering accredited, high-quality education and transformative research, supported by partnerships with esteemed organizations.

Click to view the photo coverage for this visit. 

📍 Explore UoD’s Strategic Vision: Learn more about how UoD is driving change through collaboration, innovation, and digital transformation.

UOD Media – January 12, 2025
Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photo Credit: Mohammed Abdulkareem, Hussein Ismail Titimy