Prof Dr Zahid Yousaf has been reappointed for another three-year term as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Gujrat, following approval from the Punjab Higher Education Department. The decision underscores strong confidence in Dr Zahid’s leadership and acknowledges his contributions to academic growth at the university.
University officials said Dr Zahid’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the strengthening of the Arts faculty, introduction of new academic programs, and enhanced student engagement. He has also played a key role in updating the curriculum to align with international standards, resulting in increased enrollment in the university’s social sciences departments and expanding its academic influence throughout the region.
Dr Zahid is credited with raising the university’s profile by organizing international conferences, workshops, and seminars, which have given students and faculty members wider exposure to global research trends. Colleagues describe him as an accessible and proactive administrator, highly regarded for his problem-solving approach and commitment to raising academic standards.
In addition to his role as dean, Dr Zahid has previously served as Chairman and Head of the Department of Media and Communication Studies. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, he has mentored and supervised hundreds of scholars who have completed advanced research degrees under his guidance. His leadership is seen as instrumental in establishing UoG’s reputation as a major center for communication and media studies in Punjab.
Faculty members note that Dr Zahid encourages a culture of rigorous research among students and maintains an open-door policy for academic support. Many of his former students are now successful journalists, communication officers, and researchers in Pakistan and internationally.
A prolific academic, Dr Zahid has published extensively in national and international journals, with research covering topics such as media ethics, development communication, political discourse, and the digital transformation of journalism. His publications have been widely cited, making him one of the most prominent researchers at the university.
Dr Zahid’s reappointment followed a detailed performance evaluation by a selection committee of senior faculty and administrative officials. The assessment focused on his record of academic excellence and effective departmental coordination, and the recommendation for his extension was based on these achievements.
University sources expect Dr Zahid’s continued leadership to ensure stability in ongoing projects, including community outreach initiatives and research collaborations with outside organizations. Both staff and students expressed optimism about the extension, anticipating further improvements and a stronger reputation for the university as a center of social sciences and media education in Pakistan.
