University of Utah. Middle East Center

The Middle East Center was founded at the University in 1960, mainly subsized by the National Defense Education Act. It was organized to provide training in the languages and customs of the Middle East for the benefit of national defense.

The Middle East Center was established in 1960 to coordinate an interdisciplinary program of Middle East language and area studies. Dr. Aziz Atiya was the first director, followed by professors Khosrow Mostofi and Lee Bean in 1967 and 1983, respectively.

The Middle East Center grew rapidly in three phases until federal funds began to dry up in the mid 1970's. According to a report presented by Khosrow Mostofi to the Institutional Council in 1977 (see Box 1, folder 1), Dr. Aziz Atiya's initial priorty was the acquisition of the major research library he considered essential for the development of a successful graduate program. After 1967, Khosrow Mostofi emphasized the development of a degree program, expansion of the curriculum, and the recruitment of faculty. Mostofi also worked to establish ties with foreign universities to broaden opportunities for American students. The first of many overseas Summer programs sponsored by the Middle East Center was organized at the University of Tehran in 1970.