Dr. Albina Balidemaj Basha Named Dean of Faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology in Kosovo

Following a robust search, RIT Kosovo President, Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, announced the appointment of Dr. Albina Balidemaj as the new Dean of Faculty, effective October 19. 

"Dr. Balidemaj's extensive experience, firm passion for education, and commitment to RIT Kosovo's mission will undoubtedly pave the way for the advancement of cutting-edge education at our institution, which stands as an example of excellence in Kosovo," stated President Shahrabi. “I am delighted that Dr. Balidemaj will lead our academic affairs. RIT Kosovo students, faculty, and staff will continue to benefit enormously from her academic guidance and esteemed expertise. Albina has an excellent understanding of the mission of RIT Kosovo and the potential of each of its departments,” said President Shahrabi of his successor. “I have great respect for her judgment and perspective, and I know that she will guide academic affairs skillfully”.

Dr. Balidemaj is a clinical psychologist, a professor of psychology and a co-founder of the RIT Kosovo Research Center for Human Rights, which she co-founded with the aim of helping promote and advance interdisciplinary research in the field of human rights. Her professional specializations are in migration and mental health, trauma, and human rights. Albina brings a wealth of experience in academic program development, assessment, and oversight, as well as in technology-enhanced and non-traditional learning environments. From 20021-2023, she served as Associate Dean of students, where she administered traditional and professionally oriented undergraduate and graduate programs.

Dr. Balidemaj completed her postdoctoral research at the prestigious Yale University, she holds a PhD in International Community and Family Studies from Clemson University, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences; a MSc in Clinical Psychology from University of Prishtina; and a BA in Psychology from University of Minnesota in Twin Cities. She is a member of several professional associations including the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Orthopsychiatry Association (AOA), and the Association for Psychological Science (APS). She is an author and co-author of several articles, chapters, and reviews as well as a holder of numerous grants and scholarships through various projects and institutions. Her work has been published by international publishers like Elsevier, Routledge, and SAGE.

In her role as a RIT Kosovo Dean of Faculty, Dr. Balidemaj will provide strategic direction and oversight to all academic offices including but not limited to all RIT undergraduate and graduate programs in Kosovo and Albania, distance learning, RIT Kosovo research centers, summer program, faculty development center, and help guide faculty in reaching their teaching and research potentials. As a key member of the RIT Kosovo President's Council, Albina will help advance the campus's strategic plan while executing other responsibilities.

Dr. James Myers, RIT Associate Provost for International Education and Global Programs, expressed the RIT community's enthusiasm for Dr. Balidemaj’s appointment. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Albina’s experience and outstanding track record of scholarship as Dean at RIT Kosovo. She will excel in leading our efforts to expand international experiences for students and fostering international research collaborations among our faculty,” Dr. Myers said.