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Arabic & Middle East North Africa Studies | School of Politics, Public Affairs & International Studies

Arts & Sciences Building 331

1000 E. University Ave.

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-3006

Email: arabic@uwyo.edu

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Eric Nigh

DIRECTOR OF ARABIC & MENA STUDIES PROGRAM | SPPAIS

 

About Me

I am the Director of the Arabic and Middle East Studies Program at the University of Wyoming. My research focuses on the complicating factors of the United States' post-conflict development policies in the Middle East. Prior to joining the University of Wyoming, I was a program manager and civil society development expert with over 12 years of experience managing large-scale donor-funded programs in Iraq, including 5 years as the CEO of a private company based in Baghdad, Iraq running a multi-million dollar annual development portfolio. I served four years as Chief of Party of the USAID-funded Access to Justice Program (A2J) in Iraq, leading the technical direction for program implementation that produced two pieces of legislation, educated more than 40,000 vulnerable Iraqi families on their rights, and provided direct legal assistance to more than 30,000 vulnerable Iraqi families that were otherwise without recourse to access their legal rights. In addition to experience in project management, advising, and assessment for international donor programs in conflict-mitigation, economic growth, NGO-sector development, capacity building and professional training, and access to justice, I participated in the start-up of the Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Baghdad and led humanitarian relief efforts for Millennium Relief and Development Services in Northern Iraq. I have extensive experience in NGO development; have trained over 300 NGOs; and have built a strong network of organizations throughout the country. I also have extensive experience in conducting research and assessments, including leadership of a survey of 7,000 companies by a 500-person team and a survey of 150 NGOs. I am married to Tania, my lovely wife who hails from Baghdad, Iraq, have three beautiful girls and one baby boy, hold a MA from the University of Wyoming in International Studies and a BA from Denison University in Ohio and speak fluent Iraqi Arabic.

When I'm not working I'm.

 hanging out with the new baby boy in our life- Daniel!

Fun Fact

I grew up in Cheyenne WY, but lived two decades overseas in the Middle East, most of which was in Iraq as a civilian contractor where I met my wife and had three girls. It is my passion to share what I learned through most of my professional life overseas with students here in Wyoming.

I also had a whole family of hedgehogs living in my backyard last year!

 Eric speaking with an Iraqi leader

 

 
Contact Us

Arabic & Middle East North Africa Studies | School of Politics, Public Affairs & International Studies

Arts & Sciences Building 331

1000 E. University Ave.

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-3006

Email: arabic@uwyo.edu

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Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)