Ms. Rachel Baldwin joined AKU as the Vice Provost, Students, in May 2024. 

Rachel is responsible for the strategic growth, management, and evolution of all student affairs related offices and services at AKU. With support and leadership from the student affairs staff, Rachel's work will focus primarily on the holistic advancement of students' experience across all AKU campuses. This global role encompasses her passion for student development and success, as part of her extensive career history. 

Prior to joining AKU, Rachel spent 12 years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a variety of roles as a Consultant (Student Life) for Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dean of Student Affairs at Abu Dhabi University, and Dean of Student Affairs at the American University in Dubai. Her specializations within student affairs range from athletics, alumni affairs, campus wide events and activities, diversity and inclusion, housing and residential life, international student services, orientation, special needs accommodation, student governance and advisement, and student conduct. 

Before pursuing her student affairs career abroad, Rachel worked for three U.S. universities, and dedicated her longest term to Princeton University, where she spent nearly 8 years as Director of International Student Programs/Associate Director of the Davis International Center, and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Students. Rachel's tenure at Princeton was cap stoned by several awards, including a Fulbright Award for International Education Administrators (Korea), an honorary membership in the Princeton Class of 2008, as well as the Princeton University Special Performance Award. 

Rachel holds an MSc in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Buffalo State University, with a research focus on the holistic student experience of U.S. students of color, and a BA in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

Tisha currently works at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as the Associate Director of Student Recruitment. Her main responsibilities include international student recruitment, educational partnerships, short-term programs, and marketing. Prior to this role, Tisha worked at the university leading Saudi graduate recruitment and development efforts. Tisha is excited to continue highlighting the rapid growth taking place within Saudi Arabia and the educational opportunities available.