The Board of Trustees of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), announced the appointment of Dr. Bilal Wahab as the institution's next President, effective August 1, 2024. Dr. Wahab will succeed President Bruce Walker Ferguson following an international search process that began one year ago.

With a distinguished background in academia, research, and public policy, Dr. Bilal Wahab brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
Dr. Wahab is widely recognized for his scholarship on governance, energy policy, and political economy in Iraq and the wider Middle East region.
Currently the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Dr. Wahab has held research positions at the United Nations and at the World Bank. Dr. Wahab has served AUIS for four years as a faculty member and Research Center Director. Dr. Wahab holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from George Mason University; an M.A. from American University in Washington, where he was among the first Iraqis awarded a Fulbright scholarship, and a B.A. from Salahaddin University in Erbil.

Dr. Barham Salih, Chair of the Board of Trustees and founder of AUIS, expressed gratitude to President Ferguson for his tenure at AUIS. Under President Ferguson's guidance, the University has achieved significant milestones and solidified its reputation as a center of academic excellence in the region.
"President Ferguson has been an exemplary leader, guiding AUIS with vision and dedication over the past eight years," said Dr. Salih. "His contributions to the University and the community are deeply appreciated, and we wish him continued success."

Dr. Wahab's appointment comes at a critical time for AUIS, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq. His leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the University as it continues to strive for excellence and innovation in higher education.
"Dr. Wahab brings a unique combination of academic rigor, research expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing education and scholarship," remarked Dr. Salih. "We are confident that under his leadership, AUIS will continue to flourish and make a positive impact on the lives of its students and the broader community."
Dr. Wahab expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead AUIS and his dedication to advancing its mission of fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and civic engagement. 
"I am honored to join the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani as its next President, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by President Ferguson, the Board, and the entire AUIS community," said Dr. Wahab. "I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to further the University's mission and contribute to the development of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region."
The Board of Trustees extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Bilal Wahab on his appointment as the next President and looks forward to working with him in the years ahead.