Dean at the University of Arizona Global Campus dean completes Fulbright project in Uganda, expands educational horizons

[Chandler, AZ, October 12, 2023] – Maja Zelihic, dean of the Forbes School of Business and Technology® at the University of Arizona Global Campus has successfully concluded her Fulbright project in Uganda. The project, conducted in partnership with the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), focused on fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing educational collaboration.

During her stay in Uganda, Zelihic achieved significant milestones in her Fulbright project:

• Seminar on Perception and Global Effective Leadership: Zelihic organized a two-day seminar that brought together prominent Ugandan women leaders and members of the Uganda Entrepreneurship Organization. The central theme of this engaging seminar was 'Perception and its Role in Global Effective Leadership.’
• Lectures on AI in Education and Academic Publishing: Zelihic delivered lectures to diverse groups of doctoral students and faculty members at UMI. Her first lecture centered on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and education, highlighting its profound impact on the educational landscape. The second segment focused on the intricate processes involved in academic publishing and strategies for achieving success in this field.
• Comprehensive Meeting and Lecture Session: A session was held, bringing together UMI staff, faculty, and leadership. This in-depth meeting and lecture session delved into critical topics, including the implementation of e-learning, the opportunities it presents, and the transformative influence of AI in the realm of education. The session also shared insights from Fulbright experiences, with a particular focus on international student applications.
• Exploring E-Learning Initiatives: Zelihic engaged in a dedicated meeting with the Distance Learning Dean at UMI to explore prospects for implementing e-learning initiatives. UMI is in the early stages of venturing into this domain, with the goal of offering a comprehensive program delivered entirely online.

The Fulbright Specialist Award granted to Zelihic by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board allowed for these impactful initiatives. The program aimed to strengthen academic ties and promote mutual understanding between the United States and Uganda.

Speaking about her experiences in Uganda, Zelihic stated, "This journey has been an incredible opportunity to foster international collaboration and contribute to the advancement of education. I am deeply honored to have had the chance to work with the Uganda Management Institute and engage with the bright minds of Uganda."

The Fulbright Specialist Program, which sends accomplished U.S. citizens like Zelihic to host institutions abroad, serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and academic collaboration. These recipients, chosen for their outstanding achievements and potential to foster cooperation between institutions, act as cultural ambassadors worldwide.

Morgan Johnson, Interim Chief Academic Officer at UAGC, commented on this achievement, "Dr. Zelihic's Fulbright Specialist Award exemplifies our dedication to fostering global connections and empowering future leaders. We are committed to promoting excellence in education and building meaningful partnerships across borders."

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. government, is a flagship international educational exchange program operating in over 160 countries worldwide. It has played a pivotal role in building enduring connections between people across the globe, fostering leadership, and advancing knowledge in various disciplines, in support of the long-term interests of the United States and the world.

Fulbright Specialist Zelihic with UMI doctoral students who were attending a lecture on AI and publishing.

Zelihic with members of the Ugandan Women Entrepreneurship Organization who attended a two-day seminar on perception.

Zelihic with UMI faculty, staff, and doctoral students.

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For more information about the University of Arizona Global Campus, visit uagc.edu.