Sabrina Joseph - Provost & Vice-President of Academic Affairs

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• PhD in History - Georgetown University

• MA in Arab Studies - Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service

• BA in Political Science and Sociology - New College (Florida)

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Dr. Sabrina Joseph brings more than two decades of experience in international higher education leadership, academic innovation, and strategic planning to AUR.

 

Prior to joining the university, Dr. Joseph served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the American University in Dubai, where she played a transformative role in expanding academic programs, enhancing student success, and strengthening institutional partnerships. Her leadership resulted in the launch of new undergraduate and graduate degrees, the development of HyFlex* and VR-based learning environments, and increased research productivity and grant acquisition.

 

Dr. Joseph has also served as Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at AUD and as Acting Dean and Associate Dean at Zayed University, UAE. Across these roles, she has led successful accreditation efforts with U.S. and international bodies, implemented student-centered advising reforms, and developed robust community-engagement and entrepreneurship initiatives.

 

A historian by training, Dr. Joseph holds a Ph.D. in History and an M.A. in Arab Studies from Georgetown University, as well as a B.A. from New College of Florida. Her research explores Middle East history, environmental sustainability, and interfaith relations. She has published widely and speaks regularly at international academic and policy forums.

 

Dr. Joseph is a passionate advocate for liberal arts education, diversity and inclusion, and the power of global citizenship. At AUR, she will lead on academic affairs and play a key role in shaping the university’s strategic direction, curricular innovation, and institutional growth.

 

* HyFlex or Hybrid-Flexible, is a course design method and teaching approach that was designed to better accommodate student needs by combining online and classroom-based components.