Arkansas Tech University’s Dr. Christine Austin recently completed a Fulbright Specialist program project with the Kosovo Accreditation Agency. She played a vital role in developing and finalizing a document aimed at helping the Republic of Kosovo establish best practices in higher education.

The document titled “Thematic Analysis of Processes Involved in Accrediting/Reaccrediting Study Programs: A Three-Year Review of Accreditation Processes for a Study Program at Three Public and Three Private Institutions in the Republic of Kosovo” is now available at [https://akreditimi.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/08.04.2024-KAA-Thematic-Analysis-of-Study-Programs.pdf](https://akreditimi.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/08.04.2024-KAA-Thematic-Analysis-of-Study-Programs.pdf).

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Austin, as the director of assessment and institutional effectiveness and a professor of student affairs administration at ATU, contributed significantly to the project through her expertise and dedication, aiming to support Kosovo’s efforts in aligning with European educational standards.

She expressed her satisfaction with the work done and the connections she made during the collaborative process. Austin noted, “Because Kosovo is a fairly new country, less than 25 years, they are doing a lot of work to bring their higher education institutions up to the standards expected by the rest of Europe. They are doing a fantastic job. I hope to return in the near future to present my work to the various higher education institutions during annual training. They are also often in need of external reviewers for degree programs and I am hopeful that we will be able to send some folks from ATU in the future.”

The Fulbright Specialist Program, under the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in Washington, D.C., recognizes individuals like Austin for their academic and professional achievements, leadership, and potential to foster international collaboration.

Austin, who holds degrees from the University of Denver and the University of Maine, has been a valuable member of the ATU faculty since 2007. In addition, she serves on the Higher Learning Commission Institutional Action Council, contributing to accreditation recommendations.

Her participation in the Fulbright Specialist program illustrates the commitment of more than 400 U.S. citizens to share their knowledge and expertise globally, strengthening connections between nations and promoting mutual understanding.

The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. Congress and supported by various entities worldwide, has facilitated educational exchanges since 1946, benefiting hundreds of thousands of individuals across different fields and disciplines.

Continued collaboration and knowledge sharing, as exemplified by Dr. Austin’s work with the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, play a vital role in advancing global education standards and fostering cross-cultural understanding.