Inspiring Students at Bethlehem University:
A Journey including Toulkarm, Baghdad, and the USA

Dr. Karim Izzat Nicola Abdel Nour; Chairman of Department of Business Administration at Bethlehem University, comes from Toulkarm, north of Palestine. His name is written in the heart of every Business Administration student.  He's known for his friendly personality, his unique way of teaching, and for being a supporter of his students. 

As a young man, Karim always followed his dreams and was determined to do what ever it takes to accomplish them.  His logical thinking and passion for analysis guided his academic journey.  "From the beginning I always wanted to earn high diplomas in mathematics," he said, and so his academic journey took him to Baghdad where he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor degree in mathematics. In 1979 Mr. Karim Abdel Nour joined the Bethlehem University community as a mathematics teacher in the Faculty of Science.  Later, he was Chair of the Department for two three-year terms beginning in 1983 and in 1993.  In 1981, he moved to the United States of America where he earned his master degree in mathematics from Pennsylvania State University and later, in 1991, he earned his PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dr. Karim recalls that studying in a foreign country as he was struggling to fulfill his dream involved financial, emotional and health difficulties.  High standards of living and medical expenses in the USA, along with being away from his family for 5 years and the challenge to make it on his own are some of the obstacles Dr. Karim faced.  The political situation in Palestine in 1987 when the first Intifada erupted and the Gulf war in 1991 played a negative role in shaping the attitude of some Americans and this too presented some challenges to Dr. Karim while studying in the USA .

Dr. Karim joined the Faculty of Business Administration in 1997.  "I like the Department of Business Administration and the students here," he says. Since moving to the Faculty of Business Administration and now serving as its chairman, Dr. Karim has become known for taking initiative within and outside his work boundaries. Commitment to his work and family runs deep in his veins. He stands behind his students and supports them as they strive for their rights. Furthermore, he encourages every initiative that will benefit the students. "Count on me to support your rights" students often hear him say.

Dr. Karim initiated the review of the University's "Dismissal Policy" last year.  Based on his research and recommendations and that of his colleague, Mr. Mahmoud Breighith, the University's policy has been modified so as to consider accepting dismissed students back after 3 years of their dismissal from Bethlehem University, provided that they meet certain criteria.

During the early years of his work at Bethelhem University, Dr. Karim was engaged in a program called "Teachers' College" designed to educate teachers in the schools with diplomas. As a professor, he entered the classroom on the first day and saw all those students who were 30 years old and above.  He recalls thinking that he entered the wrong room, so he went to the Registrar's Office to double check, and the room number was confirmed. So he went back and apologized to the students, telling them that he didn't see himself at 29 years of age teaching people older than him! Luckily, this humorous moment was resolved the next day and he succeeded in finishing the course. "This was one of the humorous and unforgettable moments that I have had in my teaching career," recalls Dr. Karim.

"Every corner in Bethlehem University means a lot to me," says Dr. Karim. "I'll always be thankful to BU for the opportunities and scholarships granted me to continue my higher education   It's time for me pay back BU. I will always remember the kindness of BU when it kept its doors open for me to come back, as I had to leave to Australia for two years. All I'll say for the students is to love and respect  each other as much as you love and respect yourself.  You are the future of Palestine being prepared by Bethlehem University. Serve your University and your country and you will be effective in carrying forth the message that every faculty and staff helped to launch within you."

By: Dalia Kharoufeh and Waad Nasrallah