NU-Q looks ahead to greater achievements, transforming lives

This fall, as Northwestern University in Qatar begins its 18th year, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought us here. Eighteen years may not sound like much in the life of a university, but for us, it marks nearly two decades of building a community, shaping stories, and making a home for Northwestern in the heart of Doha and the Global South. To be leading NU-Q at this stage, as we look ahead to even greater achievements, is a privilege I carry with gratitude and excitement.

The start of a new academic year is always special. It is a time of renewal, when classrooms, offices, and hallways are infused with fresh energy, and when the promise of what lies ahead seems limitless. Renewal is not about starting from scratch; it is about strengthening what already exists and extending its impact. For us, it means recommitting to our core values of excellence, community, collaboration, and sustainability while embracing the opportunities of a fast-changing world.

This year, that sense of renewal is embodied in the arrival of the Class of 2029. They are one of the largest, most international, and most dynamic groups of new and transfer students we have welcomed. Their voices and ambitions make our campus more vibrant, more global, and more hopeful. Watching them find their place at NU-Q reminds me why we are here: because education transforms lives, and because the future takes shape in the minds of our students.

As we near 20 years in Qatar, NU-Q continues to grow, adapt, and make its mark. Our story is about continually renewing ourselves to meet the future with confidence. That is our legacy—and our promise.