Alumni of The Month

1. ​ Introduce yourself?

Professor Dr. Nihad Muneer Al- Bataykhi, born in March 1952, a mother of four children and a grandmother to twelve grandchildren — they make me the happiest person on earth.

2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?

My most cherished memory was receiving my appointment letter at the University of Jordan in 1987 — the beginning of a professional journey filled with ambition, empowerment, challenges, and a steady progression through academic, athletic, and women's advocacy achievements.

However, the most unforgettable moment remains the honor of His Majesty King Abdullah II attending a sports event and sponsoring the Arab Women's Football Championship. His patronage marked a new era for this sport in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

3.  In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

The Majestic Tower.

4.  Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

The university and life reward those who value them and work diligently and sincerely toward their goals.

Nearly forty years of dedicated service allowed me to witness all the changes, improvements, and developments that the University of Jordan — the mother of national universities — has undergone.

The time I spent there shaped my professional and academic journey over the decades. During that time, I pursued and achieved my academic goals, earning both my Master's and PhD degrees while working. I also raised my children and gave them the opportunity to learn and enroll in various faculties of the university — from which emerged a doctor, a lawyer, and an engineer.

At the same time, I fulfilled my own aspirations by serving across administrative, athletic, and academic fields within the university. None of this would have been possible without the many years I spent as part of the university's dedicated staff and academic community.

5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

In my youth, I was an international table tennis player, so pursuing a specialization in sports was a natural extension of my talent and passion for both athletics and administration.

Given my energetic and dynamic personality, studying physical education — supported by knowledge and experience in public administration — was the ideal path. It combined academic study with public service, allowing me to apply my capabilities in the fields of sports and women's empowerment.

Through this path, I was able to achieve personal fulfillment within a work environment that was not without its cultural, social, and administrative challenges.

6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

The foundation stone of the academic phase has been laid, so begin your next stage with a blend of optimism and faith in God. Strive to maintain continuity in both theoretical and practical education, for neither stops until the last day of your professional and career life.

Always remember to trust your capabilities — every person has something unique to contribute to this life. Remember that your university has given you what others did not receive. Prepare yourselves for a new phase, one infused with technology that has permeated all fields and sectors.​

Always work with love, intelligence, and loyalty, and never neglect building your family without hesitation or delay, for these are all the details of success whose fruits you will surely reap sooner or later.

Do not forget community service, volunteering, and doing good deeds — they may be the easiest acts but hold the greatest value and weight in the balance. Each of you is capable of this and will certainly realize its impact and blessings upon yourselves.

7.  Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

During my studies, one does not fully grasp the lessons of life and tends to focus solely on academic knowledge. However, after completing my studies and entering the workforce, I wished I had known then what I realized later. Life moves at an incredible pace, and the years we think are long actually pass in the blink of an eye. Events do not stop for any person, place, success, or failure.

Had I understood this during or after my studies, I might have enjoyed each phase differently and balanced my time between work and family life in a different way.

8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

Many, many people have influenced my professional and personal life, and I do not wish to mention some while forgetting others. Among them are our leaders, foremost His Majesty the late King Hussein, may God have mercy on him and forgive him, who believed in all his people and empowered Jordanian women like no one else did in his time. Following him came His Majesty King Abdullah, may God protect him, who has set humanitarian lessons and examples for future generations through his support for women and just causes.

Also among those who impacted me are many academic and public figures, including university presidents who have served over the years, as well as numerous teachers, administrators, and public service workers who taught me throughout my youth and adulthood.​

Finally, my family — my husband, children, brothers, and cousins — have enriched my life with their love and patience, beautifying every part of it and being the driving force behind my continuity. May God prolong the lives of those still with us, and have mercy on those who have left us, leaving an empty place in our hearts forever.