University of North Texas at Dallas Provost Betty Stewart has promoted Dr. Ali Shaqlaih to serve as Dean of the Graduate School following an extensive, national search.

Shaqlaih, who joined UNT Dallas in 2010 and served as Interim Dean of the Graduate School since January, emerged from a list of highly qualified candidates. The national search to find the first permanent Dean of the Graduate School concluded in October.

“I am pleased to have Dr. Shaqlaih serve in this role,” Provost Stewart said. “During his previous year as interim dean, he has worked with faculty and staff to develop and implement policies and procedures to build and sustain a quality graduate program. Under his leadership, we have seen increased enrollment in graduate programs.”

The UNT Dallas Graduate School experienced 11% growth in enrollment from Fall 2018 to Fall 2019, and has expanded to include eight master’s degree programs. UNT Dallas held its first graduate hooding ceremony in May 2019.

“I am honored to be the Dean of the Graduate School at UNT Dallas,” Shaqlaih said. “The Graduate School plays a vital role in promoting academic excellence and enhancing the intellectual life of the community by preparing graduate students to be scholars, leaders and professionals. My vision focuses on collaborating with the campus community in setting policies and standards for the Graduate School, enabling excellence in the graduate programs and fostering the graduate students’ experience from recruitment through their time as alumni.” 

Shaqlaih said he will work closely with all disciplines, departments and schools across campus on exploring interdisciplinary opportunities and creating new degrees and certificate programs that best fit the university’s needs.

“I am committed to the university mission, believe in team-based work and look forward to working with the campus and the community members to cultivate the Graduate School’s role,” Shaqlaih said.

Dr. Shaqlaih joined UNT Dallas in the fall of 2010 as Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Secondary Education. He previously served as Associate Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Coordinator of the Department of Mathematics and Information Sciences. As Associate Dean, he played an instrumental role in shaping the “Re-Imagining the First Year Experience” program and redesigning the “Information Technology” program.

An educator, mathematician and researcher, Dr. Shaqlaih has devoted much of his career to K-20 Education Reform, STEM teaching and learning, and teacher professional development.

He has published several papers and book chapters, delivered presentations at national conferences, conducted workshops and has reviewed several articles, books and degree programs.