Dr. Hamed Shojaei, head of the Arkansas Tech University Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Department Chair Leadership Institute.
Shojaei joined his 36 fellow institute participants in Washington, D.C., for two days of workshops in January. The cohort will continue to meet virtually throughout the spring 2026 semester.
“Participating in the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute is an enriching and inspiring experience,” said Shojaei. “The sessions offer valuable insights into effective academic leadership, communication and strategic decision making. I especially appreciate the opportunity to connect with peers from across the country who share similar challenges and aspirations for strengthening our academic communities. This experience has deepened my perspective on leadership and renewed my commitment to promoting collaboration and excellence within our department.”
Shojaei expressed appreciation to Dr. Adolfo Santos, ATU executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, and Dr. John Jackson, dean of the ATU College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, for their support of his participation in the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute.
According to information provided by AASCU, the program “is designed for current department chairs who serve at state colleges and universities and aspire to be dynamic, strategic and empathetic leaders.”
AASCU also states on its website that institute participants “gain a national perspective on the importance of the department chair in serving the institutional mission, leading with an equity mindset, delivering value and ensuring student success.”
Shojaei earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Indiana University in 2009 and joined the ATU faculty as assistant professor of physics that year. He was promoted to associate professor of physics in 2015 and professor of physics in 2021. He has served as a department chair at Arkansas Tech since 2021.
Winner of the 2021 ATU Faculty Award of Excellence in the teaching category, Shojaei graduated from Leadership Tech in 2020.
Learn more about the ATU Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at www.atu.edu/stem/cmp.
