From an AAU Graduate to a Leader in Higher Education

Professor Dr. Mamoun N. Akroush | Professor of Marketing and Strategic Management

My academic and professional journey began at Al-Ahliyya Amman University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with distinction in 1994. I still remember that I was the second student to register at the University, a memory that reflects my longstanding connection with this pioneering institution. Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued an MBA at the University of Jordan in 1997 and later earned my PhD in Marketing from the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom in 2003. These academic milestones laid the foundation for a career dedicated to higher education, research, strategic leadership, and institutional development.

Throughout my career, I have held several senior academic and leadership positions, including President of the American University of Madaba from 2021 to 2026, Dean of the Graduate School of Business at the German Jordanian University, and Dean of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business. During my presidency, I led strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the University's financial performance, increasing student enrolment, and advancing academic and administrative reforms. I also led institutional accreditation efforts in cooperation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), contributing to the University's achievement of candidacy status in 2024.

Research and academic excellence have remained central to my professional journey. With more than 56 international publications in marketing and strategic management, I have contributed to the development of knowledge in these fields. My work has also been recognized through several distinctions, including multiple Outstanding Reviewer Awards from Emerald Publishing, the German Jordanian University Research Award, and the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Outstanding Faculty Award. In addition to my academic work, I have contributed to national higher education reform initiatives and served on academic, research, accreditation, and governance committees. I have also provided consultancy, training, and specialized expertise to public and private institutions, as well as international organizations.

My professional journey has not been without challenges. Across different institutions, I have encountered situations in which professional competencies and qualifications were not always fully recognized. I overcame many of these challenges through perseverance, commitment, hard work, and confidence in my expertise. These experiences reinforced my belief that meaningful achievement requires resilience, integrity, and a continued commitment to excellence.

Al-Ahliyya Amman University remains the cornerstone of my academic and professional success. As one of its earliest students, I was given the opportunity to pursue my undergraduate education in Jordan and begin a journey that would lead to postgraduate studies, academic leadership, research, and service to higher education. I remain proud of my connection with the University and grateful for the opportunity it provided at the beginning of my career.

My message to AAU students and recent graduates is to believe in yourselves and recognize the opportunities available to you. Al-Ahliyya Amman University can be a remarkable platform for achievement and distinction, but success also requires determination, hard work, continuous learning, and the courage to pursue your ambitions. With the right mindset and commitment, you can create your own path and make a meaningful difference.

Looking ahead, my greatest aspiration is to continue serving my beloved Jordan, its universities, and future generations. I remain ready to contribute my knowledge, experience, and expertise whenever called upon to support the development of higher education and the advancement of our country.