CSSJ welcomes a new Muslim chaplain!
By Najma Hussein
The Center for Spirituality and Social Justice (CSSJ) welcomes a new Muslim chaplain! There were many applicants, and with the help of students who interviewed candidates, the decision was made to pick Dr. AbdulMawgoud Dardery.
Dardery’s roots trace back to Egypt, but his extensive travels have shaped him into a self-proclaimed global citizen. With two decades of teaching experience and a doctorate in cultural studies, he stands as an accomplished academic. Beyond his teaching role, he actively engages in various human rights initiatives, firmly advocating for academic activism.
“I see education as helping the students to become caring global citizens,” Dardery says. “And once they become caring global citizens, they're likely to move forward with their education and help others.”
Having previously taught at an all-women institution in Egypt, Dardery brings plenty of experience assisting women in navigating the delicate balance between traditional values and current perspectives. “My goal is to help women bridge the gap between tradition and modernity,” Dardery says. “I would like to see young women because they are the future, and so they become modern Muslims at the same time, engaging the world.”
MSA president Suheyla Ali ‘25 (Computer Science) is excited to have him on board. Ali says, “Dr. Dardery is an amazing addition to the school, and I think that his presence here will really benefit students, and they will have someone to speak to if they are ever in need of advice.”
Ali was a part of the decision-making process and attended all interviews when the search for the new Muslim chaplain was happening. Out of all the candidates, she chose Dardery because she believes that he can bring a fresh perspective to the school. “I got the chance to listen to all the other interviewees, and he was by far the best!” Ali says.
Dardery has three top goals that he wants to achieve: “The goal is to bridge the cultural gap between tradition and modernity, between spirituality and materialism — that's number one. Goal number two is to relieve the students from any spiritual and intellectual stress or challenges they’re facing. Number three is to encourage students to do the best they can to prosper and enable them to become caring global citizens.”
Dardery is excited to become a component of our campus community and eagerly anticipates the possibility of engaging with students. “I am at your service, and my office is open for you. Don’t hesitate to come forward and share any challenges, ideas or opportunities for the student population. We can engage on many levels: a spiritual level, intellectual level and cultural level. So please bring all your spiritual and cultural challenges and let us talk about them. Let us see how we can move forward.”
Dardery will be in his office located on the second floor of CSSJ across from the prayer room on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach out through email: ardardery502@stkate.edu.
