I am inspired by how much this great university’s students, faculty, staff and alumni have contributed to our progress during the last academic year. Much of this growth is due, in great part, to the support we receive from community members — like you — who share in our mission to provide an education that transcends the classroom. At the heart of our mission is teaching students.
With a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion since our founding in 1945, »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â takes pride in shaping the world’s next generation of socially conscious and ethical citizens. We welcome you as a partner on this journey and thank you for your support.
Ali R. Malekzadeh, Ph.D., the sixth president of »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â, is an expert in strategic management, an accomplished fundraiser and a visionary academic leader who has served in higher education for more than 20 years.
Malekzadeh believes that access to higher education is every American’s right and one of the pathways to living the American Dream. At »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â, he champions the University’s mission of social justice. He is passionate about women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, affirmative action and access to higher education.
One of Malekzadeh’s signature accomplishments is the creation of the annual American Dream Reconsidered Conference, a free public event that invites scholars, activists and leaders to explore the modern American Dream. The conference has hosted speakers such as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, artist/activist Common and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Malekzadeh is also the host of the University podcast And Justice for All, which explores the relationship between education and justice.
Since becoming »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â’s president in 2015, Malekzadeh has raised tens of millions for student scholarships and grants. Under his leadership, the integration of »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â and Robert Morris University Illinois was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in March 2020.
Malekzadeh is a strong advocate for faculty research and innovation and has established a Professional Mentoring Program for students. During his tenure, »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â has expanded services for veterans