Designing and launching the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership

• In Event: Bridging divides: Building educational leadership and faculty & staff capacity for learner-centered higher education in a post-conflict society

Proposal

In the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly within post-conflict societies, the demand for effective educational leadership and administration is critical to its advancement and rebuilding. This presentation focuses on the development and forthcoming launch of the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) at the American University of Iraq, Baghdad (AUIB). Scheduled to commence in academic year 2025-26. TheMEd in HEAL will be Iraq's first master's program focused on higher education administration and leadership.
The establishment of the HEAL program arose from a pressing need for leadership in Iraq’s growing higher education sector. The HEAL program aligns with overarching goals (National Education Strategy for Iraq, 2022 – 2031) of enhancing educational quality and equipping future leaders with the essential skills to navigate the complexities of educational institutions in diverse cultural settings.
The HEAL curriculum incorporates evidence-based practices and international standards, structured around key components:
· Foundations of Higher Education Leadership - Adapting historical and contemporary leadership theories to suit differing educational contexts.
· Policy and Governance in Higher Education - Understanding governance frameworks that guide effective institutional management, particularly in the Iraqi socio-political landscape.
· Learner-Centered Administration Practices - Emphasis on strategic planning and execution, with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of student populations.
Additionally, the CAHEI Fellowships will inform course content and insights from the HEAL program will enhance the fellowship experience, modeling a learner centered university.
The expected outcomes from launching the HEAL program include:
1. Enhanced Institutional Leadership - Graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles within Iraq's higher education institutions and beyond.
2. Improved Higher Education Management - Strengthened administrative capacity to improve student success, resource management, and strategic planning initiatives.
3. Policy and Regulatory Expertise - Graduates will gain a deeper understanding of Ministry regulations and higher education policies.
4. Contribution to Higher Education Research - Encouraging graduates to conduct impactful research, facilitating innovative solutions for the challenges faced by Iraq's higher education sector.
5. Bidirectional Learning with CAHEI Fellowship - The integration of learning from the HEAL program will refine the CAHEI Fellowship curriculum, creating a synergistic relationship that enhances educational leadership training across both platforms.
Key Research Questions
To ensure the program's effectiveness and relevance, the following key questions will guide the ongoing design and evaluation process:
1. What specific leadership competencies are most critical for higher education leaders in post-conflict settings?
2. How can the HEAL curriculum be adjusted to best respond to the evolving needs of Iraqi higher education?
3. What insights from HEAL participants can be leveraged to enhance the CAHEI Fellowship content and experience?
The Master’s of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) at AUIB represents a significant advancement in Iraq's educational landscape. By prioritizing educational leadership and learner-centered practices, AUIB aims to play a pivotal role in the region's peacebuilding efforts and long-term stability. This initiative ensures that education remains a powerful instrument for social change and cohesion in an increasingly divided world.

Authors

• Brian Heuser, Vanderbilt University

• Allison Webster-Giddings, GreyMatters, LLC

• Stephen Perkins Robinson, American University of Iraq-Baghdad

• Emily House, Peabody College (Vanderbilt University)

• Balkis Boum, Solutions and Partnerships for Advancing Research and Knowledge

• Nancy Dickson, Vanderbilt University