Fulbright visiting specialist provides direct access to Muslim world

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is one of 33 U.S. colleges and universities selected to host a Fulbright visiting specialist from one of the world's many Muslim countries, in order to expand understanding and knowledge of Islamic societies and cultures inside and outside the classroom.

Through Nov. 20, Professor Iftikhar Hassan of Fatima Jinna Women's University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, will be on the UNL campus courtesy of the Fulbright Visiting Specialists Program: Direct Access to the Muslim World, a new initiative sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars in Washington, D.C. Hassan comes from Pakistan's first women's university, which opened its doors in 1998.

"She will speak to various classes across campus that would have some kind of interest in the Islamic perspective," said Douglas Abbott, professor of family and consumer sciences and Hassan's host faculty member.

Abbott, who teaches a course titled "Islam and Muslim Families," said some of the topics Hassan will address include clothing and dress, nutrition, marriage and family life, and child development.

"She has already spoken to a graduate class in school psychology, which is important for our teachers and school administrators," Abbott said. "Our schools are enrolling more Muslim students, so contact with a Muslim scholar should help teachers and administrators understand the perspectives of their Muslims students."

Hassan will also participate in various campus and community programs, including the Nebraska Multicultural Exchange Conference Nov. 5-6 at UNL.

Now in its second year, the Fulbright Visiting Specialist Program is designed to fit in the framework of today's global challenges as the specialists are visiting American institutions that desire to enrich their understanding of those who live in Muslim countries and dispel false perceptions about Islamic societies and cultures.

CONTACT: Douglas Abbott, Professor, Family & Consumer Sciences, (402) 472-1665