Ambassador of the Philippines to Iraq Visits AUK

On May 6, 2024, the President of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), Dr. Randall Rhodes, welcomed Charlie Pacana Manangan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Philippines to Iraq.

During the meeting, Dr. Rhodes highlighted AUK’s commitment to advancing healthcare and nursing in the region through its College of Nursing. He also emphasized the University’s focus on access and inclusion, outlining the importance of scholarships to diversify the student demographic and provide a strong workforce for the health sector.

AUK’s pursuit of US accreditation was also discussed. Dr. Rhodes mentioned the University’s progress with the New England Commission of Higher Education. If successful, AUK will be the only university in Iraq with US accreditation. Additionally, AUK is seeking program-level accreditations for engineering, computer science, business, and nursing.

The Ambassador expressed his interest in establishing educational exchanges and collaborations between Philippine and Kurdish institutions, recognizing the importance of fostering understanding between future leaders and policymakers.

Following the discussion, the Ambassador toured AUK’s campus, including labs supported by the U.S. Department of State Grants titled “Supporting American-style Higher Education in Iraq,” classrooms, the auditorium, library, and student social spaces.

In conclusion, the visit of the Ambassador of the Philippines underscored the University’s commitment to advancing its internationalization agenda in curriculum building, research, and professional opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.