Zulaikha Reesha Rashad Appointed Dean of MNU Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism

The Maldives National University (MNU) has officially appointed Zulaikha Reesha Rashad as the Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies. A seasoned academic within the institution, Reesha steps into the leadership role with a comprehensive background in hospitality education. Reesha’s appointment follows a dedicated tenure at the university, where she served as a Lecturer from 2024 to 2026. Her academic journey at MNU also includes roles as an Associate Lecturer between 2016 and 2018, and again from 2020 to 2023, providing her with a deep understanding of the faculty's operational and academic landscape. Upon assuming her new position, Dean Reesha committed to elevating the faculty's educational standards. She stated that her administration will focus on introducing innovative academic practices by building upon the faculty's existing strengths. Her primary objectives include the expansion of high-quality educational programs, securing critical academic accreditations, and driving scholarly research that aligns with the Maldives' strategic national development goals. Digital transformation is a cornerstone of Reesha's vision for the faculty. She emphasized that integrating digital tools across all operational areas will be a priority to ensure sustainable growth and modernize the learning experience for students. Beyond technical proficiency, the new Dean aims to cultivate a holistic learning environment. Her vision is to graduate well-rounded professionals who possess not only the necessary technical skills and knowledge but also a strong foundation of morals and work ethics. By fostering these values, Reesha intends to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable future of the Maldivian tourism industry, which remains a vital pillar of the national economy.