A seasoned higher education professional will help graduate students succeed at the U of A as the Graduate School and International Education's new associate director for graduate student support, success and professional development.

Umer Rahman, previously a program director for Urban Potential Laboratories — Florida International University's award-winning workforce development initiative — assumed his new role in GSIE effective Jan. 30.  

Beginning at orientation and ending with graduation, the position will oversee comprehensive student success measures for personal, professional and academic support of graduate students while overseeing programming and resources to retain graduate students and provide them career skills to help attain post-graduation employment. The position also performs outreach activities within the campus community and the broader Northwest Arkansas region, collaborating with internal and external partners to support the graduate student population. The position will also oversee GSIE belonging initiatives such as the RISE Program. Rahman reports to Patricia Gamboa, assistant dean in GSIE.

"I am so excited to be stepping into this role to facilitate the success of graduate students and ensure their graduate education prepares them for the next step in their lives," Rahman said. "It feels like I am going back to my roots. Graduate school has defined my enormous belief in building equity through education, and I cannot wait to be part of the impact."

Rahman comes to the U of A after more than a decade of work at Florida International University, where he most recently served as program director for Urban Potential Laboratories. In that role, he helped graduate 177 students with a 95% retention rate and 93% job placement rate, in addition to managing fundraising and partnership efforts with local business and community entities. Prior to that, he served as senior coordinator of student programs at FIU Honors College, where he developed, organized and delivered programs to enhance and support student life and the university experience.

"Umer's enthusiasm, expertise and vision will help us continue to ensure our graduate students are receiving a holistic educational experience focused on their well-being and success," Gamboa said. "Umer's role will be crucial for our university as we continue to advance our strategic priority of student success at all levels. I look forward to seeing him hit the ground running to serve our graduate students."

Rahman holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and master's degrees in Asian studies and international studies, all from Florida International University. He is also pursuing a doctorate in international affairs from FIU.