Islamic University of Minnesota Inaugurates Latin American Studies Center

The College of Arts and Humanities at the Islamic University of Minnesota announced on Thursday, May 22, 2025, the establishment of a Latin American Studies Center, marking the third such center in the college following the existing Language and Translation Center and Strategic Studies Center. The new center evolved from what was previously the Latin American Studies Unit under the Strategic Studies Center, now transformed into an independent entity to enhance scholarly research in this field.

The administrative structure of the new center features Professor Dr. Ismail Hamed as Chair of the Advisory Board, Dr. Ali El-Shboul as Center Director, Ms. Noor Saad as Assistant Director, and Mr. Taher Alwan as Secretary and General Coordinator. Notably, Dr. El-Shboul, who also serves as Director of the Language and Translation Center, specializes in Spanish language and culture and maintains extensive academic and cultural connections with institutions and figures across Spain and Latin America.

In a press statement, Dr. El-Shboul emphasized that the center's inauguration represents a significant step toward academic excellence and intercultural dialogue. He noted that the center will produce specialized research, organize international academic events, and develop cultural and scholarly exchange programs with academic institutions throughout Latin America.

This initiative aligns with the university's strategic vision to expand research horizons and build academic cooperation worldwide. The center will focus on examining cultural, historical, and political aspects of Latin America while promoting cross-cultural dialogue.