An academic at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah has been named as an official reviewer for the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), a US-based accreditation agency recognized by the American government.

Abdullah Al-Bargi, vice-dean of development at KAU’s English Language Institute, has just returned from the US where he received the honor.

Al-Bargi is now licensed to visit and review English-language programs worldwide that seek compliance with the CEA’s standards.

He has held his current position at KAU for the last four years, supervising curriculum development, accreditation, strategic planning, faculty recruitment, and professional development.

He has been at KAU in various supervisory capacities and served on several executive committees since 2007. His doctorate is in English linguistics, rhetoric and composition, and his MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), both awarded by Arizona State University.

He has extensive teaching experience in Saudi Arabia and the US, and also worked as a journalist, opinion writer, and editorial board supervisor for Saudi English-language daily newspaper.

He has participated in a wide range of conferences and workshops in the field, and presented papers at several international venues over the past five years.

Al-Bargi is currently actively engaged in research to enhance insights into learning and teaching processes.