Sharjah: Dr Peter Heath, who helped shape the lives of thousands of students while serving in influential positions at prominent universities in the region, has passed away in his home country of the United States.
According to a statement issued by the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Dr Peter Heath, who served as the university’s third chancellor, died at his home in Bryn Mawr, USA, after a long battle with cancer.
Heath is survived by his wife Marianne and two children.
AUS Chancellor Dr Bjorn Kjerfve shared the AUS community’s deepest condolences with Heath’s family. “We pray that the Almighty grant his soul eternal peace and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
University officials said that the “reputed scholar and administrator, Dr Heath was admired for his relentless dedication and immense contribution to AUS during his tenure. Selected at the conclusion of an extensive eight-month search process, Dr Heath was appointed as the third AUS chancellor by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, in August 2008”.
In a statement issued on the occasion, Shaikh Sultan said, “Dr Heath was chosen for the position because of his demonstrated ability as a scholar and administrator in both the United States and the Middle East.”
A fluent speaker of Arabic, officials said Heath brought a world of experience and commitment to the post, which “helped him carve a special place among his contemporaries. AUS continues to pursue and build on many of the initiatives that he started during his tenure.”
Before his tenure at AUS, Dr Heath was provost at American University of Beirut. He received his PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilisations from Harvard University and was the author of a number of monographs as well as some 30 articles in professional journals, the university said.
