Mohammed Elmeski2019 Rising Alumni
Soon after completing his doctorate in comparative and international development education, Mohammed Elmeski was appointed as a Senior Researcher at the American Institutes for Research, and has a passion for increasing literacy among the most disadvantaged populations. He currently focuses on evaluation and technical support for educational programs in Africa and the Middle East, and is also working on a project to improve education for children in Haiti. In addition to his work responsibilities and continued research agenda, Mohammed is a volunteer for the Moroccan Center for Civic Education, building networks to create stronger communities and global citizenship, particularly for youth in marginalized countries. He describes the U of M as a “global powerhouse” and will continue to work with the institution to strengthen ties between American people and the rest of the world.
Current Job
Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research
CEHD Degree
PhD, Educational Policy and Administration (Comparative and International Development Education), 2012
Please list any professional accomplishments you wish to mention.
Successfully led major multi-million dollar educational development projects in Africa and Central America.
Volunteer activities
I directed the organization of the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement for the first time in Africa.
Awards or honors from collegiate, professional, or volunteer experiences
I won first prize in textbook development from the Morocco Ministry of Education in 2002 and received the Distinguished Excellence in Leadership Award from St. Cloud State University in 2005.
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
The warmth and the sense of true belonging created by the faculty members and the staff I worked with.
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in CEHD?
Karen Seashore
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
Higher visibility of CEHD internationally. This is the college I refer to and recommend in all my TA work at the international level.
Who has inspired you the most during your career?
Karen Seashore, David Chapman, and Deanne Magnusson.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
Unflinching pursuit of non-stop learning.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I like reading and spending time with my children.
How do others describe you?
Reliable and trustworthy.
How do you describe yourself?
Reliable, trustworthy, and very much committed to strengthening ties between American people and the rest of the world.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek. The Subtle Art of not giving a F... is also a good read.
If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be?
Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him. We so much need his wisdom and love for humanity to counter the endemic rhetoric of bigotry.
What gets you excited about work?
Understanding why it matters.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Have a huge endowment and use it to help the underprivileged achieve their greatest potential.
Outside of your job, how do you grow professionally?
Participate actively in conferences, publish when I can, mentor younger professionals, and volunteer.
What is a "fun fact" about you?
I used to be a mascot at a primary school in Saint Cloud. It was fun to see happiness on the faces of the little ones.