Meet New AIC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir
A former university president and internationally respected environmental philosopher, VPAA Özdemir shares how he will be a part of President Timothy’s team and how his leadership ethos shapes his engagement with students, faculty, and the broader AIC community.
Leading with an Open Heart and Mind
Four Ways AIC’s New Academic Leader Embodies Authenticity, Dialogue, and Shared Growth
Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir is the newly appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs of AIC. Known internationally for his scholarship in environmental ethics and interfaith dialogue, Özdemir brings with him not only a distinguished academic career but a deep commitment to inclusive, curiosity-driven, and student-centered education.
Having started in his new role on August 1st, Dr. Özdemir is already gaining recognition across the AIC community for his warm, approachable presence and intellectually open spirit.
As a former university president and advisor to global sustainability initiatives, he brings a collaborative, service-oriented mindset to academic leadership. “We are not just preparing students for jobs—we’re preparing them to be compassionate and critically engaged global citizens,” Özdemir says.
Here are four ways Dr. Özdemir is helping shape a renewed academic culture at AIC—one rooted in shared inquiry, deep listening, and ethical leadership.
- Lead as a Co-Learner and Collaborator
“In every setting—from meetings to talking with students—I don’t come with all the answers,” Dr. Özdemir says. “I come to learn as much as I come to lead.”
He invites colleagues and students to co-create solutions when discussing curriculum development or student research projects. “Great teams grow through mutual respect and the joy of discovery,” he adds. His academic philosophy is grounded in shura—the Islamic principle of collective consultation—and reflects his experience fostering inclusive dialogue across faiths and disciplines.
“As educators and leaders, we must embody the ethical integrity and open-mindedness we wish to inspire in our graduates. Let us remember that our beloved Prophet ﷺ was described as a ‘living Qur’an’—bringing the Qur’anic wisdom and values to life through his actions, character, and example.” — VPAA Özdemir.
- Embrace and Admit Uncertainty
Dr. Özdemir quickly acknowledges when he doesn’t have an immediate answer. But rather than see that as a limitation, he views it as an invitation to engage.
“As a philosopher, I hold that authenticity carries greater weight than authority. When I don’t know something, I acknowledge it openly, inviting others to explore the answer with me.” — VPAA Özdemir.
This attitude creates space for shared problem-solving and allows AIC’s academic leadership to be transparent, reflective, and responsive. He frequently redirected questions to the faculty senate or student governance bodies, reinforcing their agency and voice in institutional decisions.
- Ask Open-Ended, Meaningful Questions
Whether speaking with faculty over coffee or engaging students after Jumu’ah, Dr. Özdemir is known for his thoughtful questions:
- What inspires your work right now?
- What barriers to learning should we be addressing together?
- What makes you feel seen and heard at AIC?
He believes that good leadership begins by allowing others’ stories to emerge.
“We listen not just to respond, but to understand what kind of community we’re building together.” — VPAA Özdemir.
- Be an Active Listener, Always
For Dr. Özdemir, the most powerful ideas are rarely born in boardrooms—they emerge in genuine conversation. A self-described student of Socrates, he applies the Socratic method across his academic and professional life, guided by the conviction that “dialogue is a form of mutual care.”
His leadership style is grounded in attentiveness—keeping his ear to the ground, learning as much from hallway exchanges as formal meetings. Whether advising students on their capstone projects or mentoring faculty toward publication, he meets people where they are. “We are shaping something greater than ourselves,” he often reminds his colleagues, “and that requires attention to both vision and voice.”
Drawing on his experience with UNESCO’s environmental ethics initiative, Dr. Özdemir extends this principle beyond the campus. He urges institutions to recognize that fundamental transformation begins when academic goals align with moral responsibility—to the Earth, society, and future generations.
Looking Ahead: AIC’s Promise for Transformative Education
As American Islamic College expands its academic programs, strengthens interfaith engagement, and prepares students for leadership in a complex world, Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir remains focused on one guiding mission: cultivating a culture of learning grounded in integrity, openness, and hope—values envisioned by the late Ismail R. al-Faruqi as the enduring spirit of AIC.
“Our role is to teach facts and help students cultivate wisdom, humility, and courage. That’s what an Islamic liberal arts education is truly about.” — VPAA Özdemir