Umer Rahman, associate director of graduate student support, brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment for graduate students aimed at enhancing their academic and professional development.

Rahman's journey in the world of higher education has had remarkable achievements and a steadfast dedication to student success. After earning a bachelor's degree in international relations and master's degrees in Asian studies and international studies earned at Florida International University, Rahman's educational journey has been nothing short of impressive. He is not only an advocate for education but also a lifelong learner himself, having recently defended his proposal for his Ph.D. in international relations this past September.

Before joining the U of A, Rahman served as the program director for Urban Potential Laboratories at Florida International University, where he played a pivotal role in a workforce development initiative, helping 177 students achieve an extraordinary 95% retention rate and 93% job placement rate. His leadership extended to managing fundraising and partnership efforts with local businesses and community entities.

Rahman's ability to connect education with tangible, real-world outcomes has set him apart in his field and positions him as an asset for the U of A and its graduate student community.

"Community engagement starts with our students," Rahman said. "Every program has to offer value to the students, such as a pathway into their resume line. I want every student to have a job offer, ideally in Northwest Arkansas, before they graduate."

A Vision for Success

Rahman's vision and goals for the U of A reflect his passion for education and commitment to building equity through:

Preventing Talent Drain: One of Rahman's primary objectives is to create an ecosystem that retains talent within the Northwest Arkansas area. He recognizes the immense value of local talent and seeks to provide opportunities for graduate students to grow and contribute to the region.

Industry Credentials: Rahman emphasizes the importance of industry credentials and focuses on helping students acquire skills and certifications that go beyond traditional degrees. His goal is to enable students to secure jobs even before they graduate, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Connecting Alumni: Rahman envisions bridging the gap between graduate students and alumni who have established themselves in their respective industries. This connection can provide valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for current students, facilitating their transition into professional roles.

Paid Internships: To further support students in their career journeys, Rahman aims to facilitate 100 paid internships every summer. These internships offer invaluable experiences and help students integrate into the workforce.

Recruiting Undergraduates to Graduate Programs: Rahman promotes a shift in the perception of higher education, encouraging students to explore diverse educational pathways. He encourages undergraduates to pursue graduate studies at the U of A, noting that higher education has evolved to be more accepting of obtaining all degrees from one school.

Rahman has also championed the launch of a new program — the Graduate Student Teaching Enhancement Project, or G-STEP for short — to help graduate teaching assistants through additional training and support around pedagogies, course design, educational technology, communication, classroom management and teaching best practices. The program is available free of charge to all graduate teaching and research assistants. 

Rahman's journey, from program director to his current role, illustrates his dedication to student success and his commitment to creating opportunities for graduate students to excel academically and professionally at the U of A.

"Graduate school has defined my enormous belief in building equity through education," Rahman reflected. "Everything I do is dedicated to providing our graduate students with opportunities to have career skills and industry credentials, so they are engaged, confident leaders in our region."

As Rahman continues directing graduate programs at the university, there is no doubt that his extensive experience, vision and passion will have a profound impact on the future of graduate student support and success at the university. His mission to build equity through education and create a nurturing ecosystem for students is poised to shape the future of higher education in Northwest Arkansas. Under Rahman's guidance, the U of A is set to become a beacon of success for graduate students, helping them thrive and prepare for the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.

About the Employee Spotlight Series: The employee spotlight series highlights U of A faculty and staff members, the impact they have on campus and the community more broadly, and what makes the university an employer of choice for them individually. Each U of A employee plays a critical role in advancing the 150 Forward strategic priorities: advancing student success, achieving research excellence and enhancing the university's status as an employer of choice. If you have a recommendation of an employee to interview, contact Rachel Gerner at rgerner@uark.edu.