With the AAEF's successful endowment campaign to raise $1 million, the University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Science established the Chair of Modern Arab Studies in the Department of History. The inaugural chair selected in 2015 is Abdel Razzaq Takriti, Ph.D. Read about him and his accomplishments on this faculty page. The University of Houston is a Tier 1 research institution.

Timeline of Endowment Campaign Events

On December 1, 2014, the search began.

The AAEF initiated an endowment campaign in 2011 for a Chair of Modern Arab History at the University of Houston, the third largest university in Texas. In just a little over 2 years, the fundraising goal was achieved. View our video about the campaign on this page of our website.

Chair Welcome Reception Event Photo Gallery

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Article on New AAEF Chair of Modern Arab Studies in U of H Newspaper

http://thedailycougar.com/2015/12/02/head-arab-studies-program-aims-shape-understanding-middle-east/

Chair of Modern Arab History – University of Houston

May 6, 2011

The Arab-American Educational Foundation (AAEF) is currently working with the University of Houston to establish an endowed chair in Modern Arab History, with the plan to ultimately develop a Center for Arab Studies.

UH, a nationally recognized Carnegie-designated Tier One research university, has welcomed the opportunity to strengthen its department of history with a much needed program for Arab Studies.  The development of a chair, and future Center for Arab Studies, is an endeavor that aspires to educate people about modern Arab history and culture, while promoting intercultural dialogue and awareness – a role that has become vital in today’s growing uncertainty towards the Arab world and culture.

As a renowned educational institution, producing the future leaders of Houston’s thriving and influential businesses, UH lacks a program for Arab Studies.  The launch of this venture will be initiated by the funding of an endowed chair at UH, and will subsequently contribute to Houston’s local scholarly and cultural events, as well as its thriving businesses.

As a first step in developing the Center for Arabic Studies, a $1 million endowed chair in Modern Arab History will be established. Naming opportunities for the chair, lecture series and scholarships will be available for all interested donors.

A reception was held on March 25, 2011, attended by over 200 guests. The reception was generously hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Nijad Fares. In attendance were AAEF Board and Advisory Board members as well as University of Houston Chancellor and President Reno Khator, Ms. Carroll Ray, U of H Board of Trustees Chair, and several professors from the university. President Khator presented her remarks and congratulations to the community upon the launching of the campaign to endow a Chair of Modern Arab History. The agreement between the University of Houston and the Arab-American Educational Foundation was signed by Dr. Khator and AAEF Board President Dr. Aziz Shaibani. Following the official signing and launch, guests enjoyed refreshments and conversation.