Meet the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management

Ammar Baig recently joined AUC as the new associate provost for enrollment management, overseeing recruitment, admissions, enrollment, financial aid, scholarships and international programs. 

“The way I see it, enrollment management is the heart and soul of any university, anywhere in the world,” Baig said. “Without good students, you cannot run a university,” Baig said.  

Baig brings over two decades of experience working in enrollment management. With leadership roles in Virginia Commonwealth University of the Arts in Qatar and Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada, Baig most recently served as director of enrollment at HEC Paris in Doha before arriving at AUC.

"I look at enrollment management as not just the gatekeeper of who comes into AUC to seek degrees, but also to make sure that we bring the University to the huge pool of graduating high school students."

With his expertise in enrollment strategy, development and education, Baig sought a new chapter when he applied for the position. “It’s a huge role, but I felt after 25 years of being in higher education across many continents and universities, it is the right time for me to take this lead,” Baig said.

To reach new heights in enrollment, Baig seeks to conduct strategic outreach to current high school students. “I look at enrollment management as not just the gatekeeper of who comes into AUC to seek degrees, but also to make sure that we bring the University to the huge pool of graduating high school students,” he said.

Baig’s immediate hopes for the coming weeks include collaboration with students and faculty. In the long term, he seeks to update the office’s customer relationship management (CRM) systems to promote efficiency — a practical undertaking that will likely take a year to fully implement, and which complements his desire for continuous enhancement across all areas of the office. “It's something we are going to build on in the upcoming years, but automation and use of the right technology is the way forward,” Baig said.

"Accessibility of education is something I care deeply about, not just higher education, but at the secondary and primary levels as well."

Baig hopes that his colleagues will also bring forward fresh ideas, emphasizing collaborative growth. “I don't shy away from trying out new ideas; we should always work on innovation. Certain ideas work; others don't. That’s okay. If you fail, fail forward, fail fast, and learn and move forward with whatever you gain,” Baig said. 

For Baig, learning is a two-way process, shaped by an openness to different perspectives and a deep passion for education. “The way I work well is with other people. I want to learn from whoever wants to talk to me,” Baig said.

Passion for Education

Beyond his long career in higher education, Baig brings a rapt focus on the importance of education. “Accessibility of education is something I care deeply about, not just higher education, but at the secondary and primary levels as well,” Baig said. 

Baig sees education as transformational and makes it a mission of his to reach those who need it most. “One of AUC’s priorities is to reach underprivileged families in governorates that are so far from Cairo that these students might never have heard of the University. Because in four, five, six, or 10 years, that kid will change not just himself or herself, but their previous generation and future generations to come,” Baig said.

Looking toward the future, Baig emphasizes community bonds. “Give me an opportunity to come and speak to you, and let’s together build this amazing vibrant community,” Baig said.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I've traveled to almost 50 countries, if not more. My family and I try to add at least one or two new countries each year.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Sitting where I'm sitting today, looking back at that journey — it was a lot of hard work and effort. It's incredible how being humble and kind opens doors for you that you never thought you’d ever have.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite Hollywood movie is Shawshank Redemption. My favorite Bollywood movie is PK.

What is your favorite food?

I love trying gourmet burgers; that's my go-to. But a good chicken biryani is my comfort food.

Who is your favorite author?

In the world of leadership, a gentleman by the name of John Maxwell has written some amazing books that I always go back to.

What is on your current reading list?

I want to go back and read The Art of War again. It tells you that whatever situation you are in, there is a way out.

What advice would you give students today?

The biggest illusion that humans have is that we have time. Before you know it, your life gets so busy, and sometimes you don’t have time for yourself. In the end, as long as you’re healthy and you've got good people around you, you’re going to be okay. If you get a chance to travel, then travel the world. It really opens your mind to things you never thought were possible.