University of Arizona welcomes U.S. Ambassador to Oman
U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima.
On September 14, U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima visited the University of Arizona as part of a larger diplomatic trip focused on enhancing the growing relationship between Oman and Arizona. Hosted by Assistant Vice President for Middle East and North African Affairs at Arizona International Hassan Hijazi, the visit highlighted the existing connections between Oman and the U of A while exploring new possibilities for collaboration.
“Decades of friendship, mutual collaborations and connection between Oman and the U of A is vital, as it allows us to exchange knowledge and tackle global challenges like water conservation and climate change together,” said Hijazi. “The collaborative efforts in areas like these and other projects can have lasting impacts for both regions.”
Ambassador Escrogima’s visit began with a tour of Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona, alongside Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, Adjutant General of Arizona. Guided by Biosphere 2 Deputy Director John Adams, the group explored cutting-edge sustainability and climate resilience research. The facility’s focus on interdisciplinary research, particularly in water and climate, reflects the shared environmental challenges of Arizona and Oman.
Following the tour, the delegation traveled to the University of Arizona main campus in Tucson for a luncheon featuring presentations from university leaders: Dean of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Dr. Iman Hakim, Interim Associate Vice President of Research Centers and Institutes Dr. Peter Reiners, Executive Director of Eller Executive Education Luigi Pecoraro, and Interim Associate Vice President for Research, Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension Dr. Jon Chorover.
Dr. Chorover began the afternoon with insights into the university’s research efforts to address global grand challenges. Dr. Hakim highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing public health on a global scale, while Dr. Reiners discussed U of A’s significant research collaborations and innovation initiatives in fields like environment, health, national security, and space. Pecoraro emphasized the unique executive education programs offered by the Eller College of Management, which have been implemented in Oman through partnerships with government agencies.
Following the presentations, Ambassador Escrogima had the opportunity to engage with University of Arizona students from Oman, hearing directly from them about their experiences and future aspirations.
Ambassador Escrogima had the opportunity to engage with University of Arizona students from Oman.
In her remarks, Ambassador Escrogima expressed her admiration for the innovative research and educational programs at the University of Arizona, noting how closely they align with Oman’s Vision 2040, which emphasizes economic diversification and the development of a knowledge-based economy. “The partnerships between Oman and Arizona are already extensive, but there is so much potential for growth,” said the Ambassador. “The exchanges happening here—between students, researchers, and leaders—are laying the foundation for future opportunities.”
The visit was particularly significant in the context of the State Partnership Program between the Arizona National Guard and the Omani military, which was signed in 2023. Ambassador Escrogima remarked on the importance of expanding these partnerships beyond the military sphere to include civilian exchanges in areas such as education, public health, and business.
As the day concluded, the Ambassador and her team took time to further engage with the Omani students studying at the University of Arizona, reinforcing the people-to-people ties that are central to the U.S.-Oman relationship. With Arizona’s leadership in sustainability, public health, and higher education, both sides are eager to build on this momentum to create lasting, impactful collaborations.