U.S. Consul General Steven Bitner Visits the American University of Kurdistan

On September 19, 2024, U.S. Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Steven Bitner, visited the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) alongside consulate members Andy Halus and Kim Strollo. The delegation was welcomed by AUK President Randall Rhodes, joined by Secretary of the Board of Trustees Honar Issa, Provost Triona Croke, Vice President for Administration and Finance Omed Zawity, and Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning Ajin Saadi.

The visit focused on AUK’s progress toward accreditation and its efforts to advance American-style higher education, positioning the university as a pioneering institution in the region. The visit also aimed to strengthen ties between the U.S. Consulate and AUK, reinforcing their commitment to supporting educational initiatives that empower the Kurdistan Region.

During the tour, Consul General Bitner explored AUK’s cutting-edge labs, funded by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) “Support to American-Style Higher Education in Iraq” grant. He visited the BIM Lab (Building Information Modeling), which supports project development from planning to the full building life cycle, showcasing how the university integrates advanced technology into its curriculum.

Next, Mr. Bitner toured the Fab Lab (Fabrication Laboratory), equipped with industrial-grade fabrication tools and electronics, enhancing student innovation. The final stop was the Nursing Lab, featuring state-of-the-art simulation tools such as SimVS, Skillqube ZERO, and advanced manikins like “Alex.” These tools offer hands-on training for nursing students, better preparing them for real-world healthcare scenarios.

The visit highlighted the impact of U.S. Department of State support in providing advanced educational resources that enhance academic and professional growth at AUK. By investing in higher education, the U.S. Consulate underscores its commitment to fostering leadership and educational opportunities in the Kurdistan Region.