UBT Rector conducts official visit to Texas at the invitation of Sam Houston State University
05/12/2025The Rector of UBT, Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi, carried out an official visit to Texas at the invitation of Sam Houston State University (SHSU), within the framework of cooperation between the two institutions and their shared commitment to advancing academic and research collaboration.
During the visit, Rector Hajrizi held a series of meetings with academic leaders, research institutions, and notable members of the Albanian-American community in the United States, where discussions focused on expanding student exchanges, joint projects, and strategic initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
The delegation also included representatives from regional partner universities: Rector Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli and the Chairman of the Senate of UT, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ferati, as well as representatives from the University of Tirana. Their participation strengthened the regional inter-university dimension, turning the visit into an important step toward consolidating new bridges of cooperation.
Visits to SHSU’s university infrastructure formed another essential part of the program, during which Rector Hajrizi toured the Colleges of Business, Nursing, Medicine, and several other academic units. These visits provided first-hand insight into the institution’s high academic and laboratory standards and helped identify concrete opportunities for collaboration and professional exchange.
During his stay, Rector Hajrizi held an important meeting with Major General David P. Glaser, who has been honored by UBT with its highest institutional award. Discussions focused on further cooperation in the fields of security, leadership, and professional education, as well as involving experts from both institutions in joint training and research projects.
Another key meeting was held with the Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Sharmistha (Shar) Self, who was one of the main organizers of the visit, together with Alban Fetahu—an SHSU alumnus and initiator of this important partnership.
Rector Hajrizi was also welcomed by the deans of the Colleges of Criminology, Sciences, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, and Humanities, with whom he exchanged ideas about academic programs and potential joint research initiatives.
A highlight of the visit was the meeting with SHSU President Dr. Alisa White and Provost Dr. Sumanth Yenduri, where discussions focused on deepening institutional cooperation, developing joint study programs, and creating concrete opportunities for UBT students. In all meetings, Rector Hajrizi presented UBT’s academic programs and its potential for expanding cooperation in various fields, with both sides agreeing to begin concrete joint projects soon.
In both institutions, Rector Hajrizi also presented the initiative to establish a Center for American Studies at UBT and a Center for Albanian Studies in Texas—an initiative that was welcomed with great enthusiasm.
The program also included visits to important educational institutions and schools in the Houston area, as well as a visit to NASA Headquarters and its museum, where opportunities were discussed for involving UBT students in international educational activities and programs.
One of the most important activities of the visit was participation in SHSU’s academic and cultural event, “Bridge-Building Event: Strengthening Partnerships with the Albanian Community,” where discussions focused on new perspectives for long-term collaboration and deeper engagement with the Albanian-American community.
The event brought together members of the Albanian-American community from Houston and Dallas, as well as the Ambassador of Kosova to the United States, Mr. Ilir Dugolli, who warmly welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to support Albanian students with scholarships and other academic opportunities.
As a result of this collaborative approach, UBT students will potentially have the opportunity to receive scholarships for their studies at Sam Houston State University, as well as participate in joint study and research programs.
On the evening of December 2nd, Rector Hajrizi was invited to attend the Crown City Tree Lighting Ceremony, organized by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the city. For this event, Mr. Joe Haliti—an active member of the Albanian-American community and an outstanding contributor to community life—was selected and named “Personality of the Year” in the region. During the ceremony dinner, Rector Hajrizi delivered a speech attended by representatives of local institutions, the Albanian community, representatives of Albanian universities, and officials from Sam Houston State University, further strengthening the ties between the community and academic institutions.
This visit underscores UBT’s commitment to strengthening its network of international partnerships and creating new opportunities for academic, scientific, and professional development for its students and staff.
