American University of Armenia: A Beacon of Western Education and Innovation
The American University of Armenia (AUA) stands as a private, independent university in Yerevan, Armenia, offering a global education rooted in American educational principles. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, AUA has become a prominent institution in Armenia, fostering academic excellence, free inquiry, and service to society since its founding in 1991.
Historical Roots and Establishment
The genesis of AUA can be traced back to the late 1980s, a period marked by Armenia's devastating earthquake in 1988. This natural disaster opened the country to international humanitarian and technical assistance. Yuri Sarkissian, then rector of the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute, proposed to Armen Der Kiureghian, a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, the creation of an American-style university in Armenia. This vision was narrowed to a graduate university modeled after the American system.
With the support of American and Armenian academics, Der Kiureghian and Mihran Agbabian, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California, embarked on realizing this goal. The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the University of California (UC) played pivotal roles in establishing AUA. The Armenian government, despite facing turbulent political and economic circumstances, provided financial and logistical support. The AGBU underwrote a significant portion of the operational funding, while the UC appointed a task force to evaluate the possibility of an affiliation between AUA and UC.
Academic Programs and Structure
AUA offers a range of graduate and undergraduate programs across various fields of study. The graduate programs include master’s degrees in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, Computer and Information Science, Political Science and International Affairs, Economics, Public Health, Law, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. AUA also offers a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA)/Master of Public Health (MPH) program.
In 2013, AUA initiated bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration, Computational Sciences, and English and Communications, expanding its academic offerings to meet the growing educational needs of Armenia and the broader region. The university's commitment to providing a comprehensive education is reflected in its diverse academic programs and its emphasis on research and innovation.
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Research and Policy Centers
Beyond its academic programs, AUA houses several research and policy centers that contribute to the social, economic, and political development of Armenia. These centers include:
- AUA Acopian Center for the Environment: Conducts research on environmental issues, organizes policy discussions, and promotes policy dialogue on topics such as mining, waste governance, and forests.
- AUA GIS and Remote Sensing Lab: A joint initiative that enhances AUA’s capacity in mapping and analysis of spatial data.
- AUA Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC): A platform for promoting innovation, entrepreneurial education, and start-up venture incubation.
- Center for Business Research and Development
- Engineering Research Center
- Turpanjian Center for Policy Analysis
- Zvart Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research
- Center for Research and Development in Applied Linguistics
- Center for Creative Writing
- Legal Research Center
These centers provide students with opportunities to develop hands-on research skills and contribute to addressing critical issues in Armenia.
Campus and Facilities
The AUA campus comprises several buildings and facilities that support its academic and research activities. The AUA Center, located in central Yerevan, serves as a multiple-use rental facility for business and non-profit organizations. In 2005, AUA acquired the Hye Business Suites Hotel, further expanding its facilities.
The Paramaz Avedisian Building
Construction of the Paramaz Avedisian Building (PAB) began in 2005 and was completed in 2008. This modern building houses state-of-the-art classrooms, conference rooms, an auditorium, and the Akian Gallery. It is fully designed to meet the needs of people with physical disabilities.
AGBU Papazian Library
The AGBU Papazian Library, established in 1991, provides students and faculty with access to a vast collection of printed and digital resources. As of June 2015, the library contained 31,426 printed books and 482,350 digital books, journals, and other media.
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Student Union and Faculty Center
In recent years, AUA has expanded its campus with the addition of a student union and a faculty center, providing spaces for students and faculty to collaborate and engage in extracurricular activities.
Accreditation and Affiliations
AUA is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of academic quality. The university is also affiliated with the University of California (UC), which facilitates academic collaboration and exchange programs.
Impact on Armenian Society
AUA has played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape and promoting positive change in Armenia. Graduates of AUA are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to contribute to the country's development and integration into the global community.
Fostering New Attitudes and Values
AUA promotes new attitudes toward work, a stronger sense of responsibility, and individual initiative. The university's emphasis on open communication, critical thinking, and personal responsibility fosters a merit-based environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and pursue their goals.
Overcoming the Culture of Mediocrity
In contrast to the Soviet-era emphasis on collectivism and conformity, AUA encourages students and employees to develop their individual talents and strive for excellence. The university provides a supportive environment where initiative and good performance are recognized and appreciated.
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Promoting a Customer-Oriented Approach
AUA instills in its students the importance of providing excellent service and meeting the needs of customers. This customer-oriented approach is a departure from the Soviet-era mentality, where service was often seen as a favor rather than an inherent part of one's job.
Contribution to the Syrian-Armenian Community
AUA has initiated programs to assist Syrian-Armenian refugees who have fled their country due to the ongoing conflict. Through its Extension program, AUA provides free classes to Syrian Armenians, helping them improve their English, gain professional skills, and integrate into Armenian society.
AUA's Vision for the Future
AUA has ambitious plans for the future, including the establishment of new academic programs and the expansion of its physical facilities. The university aims to grow its student body, enhance its research capabilities, and further contribute to the development of Armenia.
New Programs and Initiatives
AUA is considering the establishment of new programs in fields such as hospitality and tourism management. The university is also planning to modernize its student services facilities and build a state-of-the-art Innovation & Technology Incubation Center (ITIC).
Expanding Physical Facilities
To accommodate its growing student body, AUA plans to expand its physical facilities with the construction of a student union and a faculty center. These new facilities will provide additional spaces for students and faculty to collaborate, study, and engage in extracurricular activities.
Notable Alumni and Faculty
AUA has produced numerous successful alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These include:
- Emil Babayan, Deputy Prosecutor of the General Prosecutor's Office of Armenia.
- Sedrak Barseghyan, Adviser to the Minister-Chief of Government Staff of Armenia.
- Lilit Galstyan, Member of Parliament of Armenia.
- Tevan Poghosyan, Member of Parliament of Armenia.
- Artashes Emin, translator, former Honorary Consul of Canada.
- Anna Simonyan, Federal MP Candidate for Bloc Quebecois & Commission Members and founder of Clove a start up with offices in Yerevan, Montreal and San Francisco.
AUA has also attracted distinguished faculty members from around the world, who bring their expertise and experience to the university.
Recognition and Reputation
AUA is widely recognized as one of the top universities in Armenia. It has received praise from government officials, diplomats, and academics for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service to society.
Ambassador Richard Mills stated that AUA is "like no other university in Armenia," challenging students to think critically. Ambassador Harry Gilmore described the university as one of the "islands of light" in Armenia during a time of war and economic hardship.
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