Dr. Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad is Qatar University’s fifth President and one of Qatar’s leading educators and a partner in many initiatives toward the fulfillment of national development strategies.

A distinguished alumnus of Qatar University, Prof. Al-Misnad is a champion of education and life-long learning.  She earned a BA in Education followed by a Diploma in Education in 1978 at QU.  She received her Ph.D. in Education from Durham University, UK with a thesis entitled “The Development of Modern Education in the Gulf States with Special Reference to Women’s Education” which was published by Ithaca Press, London in 1985.

Before assuming the presidency of QU in 2003, Prof. Al-Misnad served in several positions in teaching, administration, and research, including Vice President for Research and Community Development at QU (2000-2003) and Head of the Department of Foundations of Education (1992-1995).  She also served as a member of the University Council (1986-1989 and 1998-2004).

Since her appointment in 2003 Prof. Al-Misnad has made substantial contributions to academic reform at QU and within the education system in Qatar.  She has guided substantial academic reforms in curriculum and programs, and in administrative structure and functions at QU, making incremental changes in line with the needs of the community and the vision of the country’s leadership.  Under her leadership, the university achieved international accreditation for a wide range of Masters and doctoral-level graduate programs featuring subjects of critical importance to Qatar and the region.  She presides over the steady progress of efforts to establish the university as a regional leader in research.