The University of New Haven – Riyadh has appointed Dr. Mohammed Alshagawi as its founding NHU-Riyadh Campus Dean ahead of its campus opening this fall. Notably, the institution, located in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City), represents the first United States international branch campus to establish operations in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alshagawi brings two decades of academic leadership within the Kingdom alongside ten years of teaching experience in the United States.
Responsibilities of the NHU-Riyadh Campus Dean
In his role as the NHU-Riyadh Campus Dean, Dr. Alshagawi will oversee all on-site academic programs, faculty affairs, and student life initiatives. He is responsible for ensuring student success and managing campus accreditation under both United States and Saudi Arabian regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, he will act as the primary academic liaison between the Riyadh campus and the home campus in Connecticut.
Academic and Professional Background
Dr. Alshagawi previously served as the dean of the School of Business at King Faisal University, where he managed six departments and eight academic programs. Additionally, he was a member of the founding team for the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, which was the first school of public policy established in Saudi Arabia. During his tenure there, he directed the Master of Public Policy program in coordination with scholars from United States universities.
His international experience includes serving as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar and conducting research at Smith College in Massachusetts since 2012. He holds a Ph.D. in strategic management from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Consequently, his professional expertise includes curriculum development, institutional planning, and international academic partnerships. This background supports the university’s goals in education and academic development.
Leadership Perspectives on the Appointment
Jens Frederiksen, President of the University of New Haven, stated that Dr. Alshagawi has spent his career working across both American and Saudi academic systems. Specifically, Frederiksen noted his experience in leading a Saudi business school and teaching in New England. “Dr. Alshagawi has spent his career on both sides of the bridge we are building,” Frederiksen said.
Dr. Alshagawi stated that leading the campus from its first day is a significant opportunity. He committed to establishing a campus where American higher education and Saudi talent work together. Meanwhile, Leo Lester, senior vice president for NHU-Riyadh, stated that Dr. Alshagawi understands the details of the work ahead, including opening programs, earning accreditations, and recruiting faculty.
Campus Launch and Future Outlook
The university will open this fall with the College of Business and Digital Innovation, which is the first of three planned colleges. This launch aligns with broader efforts in the Saudi economy to expand educational opportunities. Moreover, the institution holds a foreign branch campus license from the Ministry of Education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
As the campus begins operations, the NHU-Riyadh Campus Dean will focus on delivering the initial academic programs. The establishment of this branch campus marks a new development in the local higher education sector. In addition, the university plans to introduce the remaining two colleges in subsequent phases to complete its academic offering in Riyadh.
