EDUCATION
– Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Studies, specialization in Higher Education, December 2014, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln
– Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, August, 2002, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bachelor of Arts with Honors, Psychology, April 1996, University of Khartoum

EXPERIENCE
Managing Director, Marsa Abroad, June 2018- Present
My mission from establishing Marsa Abroad is to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that help
them uncover their potential and find their place in today’s competitive job market. I achieved my goals by:  Connecting students who want to travel internationally and acquire multicultural skills with universities, employers, volunteer organizations and by empowering faculty who are providing study abroad opportunities  Building my network of local partners, sponsors and donors  Establishing tools to reach out to students, faculty and other stakeholders through social media

Faculty Support Associate, Global Education Office, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA
August 2016- May 2018
I worked as a campus coordinator of study abroad programs by supporting the larger Virginia Tech portfolio of
close to 60 Faculty-Led Programs. In a dynamic fast-paced environment, I supported my employer with the
following:

 Guided students in selecting study abroad programs that fit their career and academic goals

 Advised students on how to transform the learning opportunities they gained abroad into marketable life-long skills

 Connected Virginia Tech faculty to the programs and resources to support their mission as study abroad
educators

 Improved retention in faculty-led programs that are at risk of cancellation because of low enrollment. Director,

Center for Academic Advising and Retention (CAAR) Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
September 2012- September 2015
 Established the Center for Academic Advising and Retention and improvement of academic advising at Qatar
University.

 Established the Student Affairs component of Qatar University comprehensive First-Year Experience and Orientation Program

Unit Head, Academic Advising and Retention Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
May 2009 – August 2012
 Established the Central Advising and Retention Unit. This Unit was established to provide consultation and
training for academic advisors and to improve students’ advising experiences campus wide.  Coordinated campus wide group academic advising events, such as the New Student Orientation for more than
2500 students annually, and documented the increase in student learning during these events.

Counselor Academic Bridge Program, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
August, 2004 – July 2008
 Developed and implemented an annual plan of counseling activities in support of the program as a bridge to
world-class universities like Georgetown University and Texas A & M University in Qatar and other higher
education institutes.

 Guided students in educational planning, developing skills and fulfilling requirements of admission to four-year
institutions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Diversity Ally Certificate, 2017
 National Academic Advising Association Outstanding Advising Program Certificate of Merit Award for the
year 2014
 National Academic Advising Association Assessment Institute Certificate, February 2013, Savannah, GA, USA
 Academic Impressions, Developing a Comprehensive Retention Plan, October 27-29, 2014, Phoenix, AZ, USA