Şerif Ali Tekalan (born 1952) is a Turkish physician, professor of otorhinolaryngology (ENT), author, and university administrator. He serves as the president of North American University in Houston, Texas. He previously served as the rector of Fatih University in Istanbul, Turkey, and held academic and medical positions at Erciyes University. In addition to his leadership roles in higher education, Tekalan has authored several books focusing on social issues, intercultural dialogue, and educational philosophy.
Early life and education Şerif Ali Tekalan was born in 1952 in Sandıklı, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. He received his medical degree from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1976. He remained at the institution to complete his medical residency in otolaryngology, concluding his training in 1979. Supported by a Swiss government scholarship, Tekalan subsequently joined the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, where he engaged in academic work within the Department of Otolaryngology between 1981 and 1983.
Academic and administrative career In 1983, Tekalan undertook an academic appointment at the Department of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School. Following his return to Turkey, he completed his mandatory military service at the Gülhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara (1983–1984). He then joined the medical faculty at Erciyes University in Kayseri, attaining the rank of associate professor in 1985 and full professor in 1991.
His administrative appointments include serving as Secretary of the executive board for the Medical Research Group at the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) from 1990 to 1991. He later served as a member of the executive board of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) between 1992 and 1996.
Tekalan held the position of Secretary General of the Istanbul-based Journalists and Writers Foundation from 1994 to 2016. His concurrent roles in higher education administration included chairman of the Board of Trustees (2000–2008) and Rector (2010–2016) at Fatih University. He also served as President of the Ankara-based International Association of Universities from 2006 to 2016, and participated as a member of the organizing committee for the International Turkish Olympiads between 2008 and 2013.
Tekalan served as the rector of Fatih University, a private university in Istanbul, from 2010 to 2015. During his tenure in higher education administration, he also headed the International Association of Universities.
Later career In 2016, Tekalan assumed the presidency of North American University (NAU) in Houston, Texas. He served as President of the institution until 2021, at which point he transitioned to his current role as vice president for International Affairs at NAU.
Publications and books Tekalan is the author of several medical and non-fiction books focused on healthcare, social issues, and dialogue, published by Crab Publishing and distributed across various platforms. He has also contributed opinion columns on education, ethics, and civil society to media outlets such as "Samanyolu Haber".
Research, studies, and travel İsviçre'den Moğolistan'a (From Switzerland to Mongolia), Istanbul: Ufuk Kitap, 2005. Nasıl Bir Diyalog? (What Kind of Dialogue?), Istanbul: Doğan Kitap, 2006. Pasifik Notları (Pacific Notes), Istanbul: Ufuk Yayınları, 2007. Çağın Ölüm Tuzakları (Death Traps of the Age), Istanbul: Işık Yayınları.
Essays and thought Sessiz Ustalar & Dirilişin Yol Haritası (Silent Masters & Roadmap to Resurrection), Istanbul: Define Yayınları. Güncelle Kendini (Update Yourself), Crab Publishing, 2021. İyiliğin İzinde (In Pursuit of Goodness), Crab Publishing, 2022. Mektubunuz Var (You Have Mail), Crab Publishing, 2023.
Collaborative works and edited volumes Barış Köprüleri: Dünyaya Açılan Türk Okulları (Bridges of Peace: Turkish Schools Opening to the World), Istanbul: Ufuk Kitap, 2005.
Legal proceedings and exile Following the July 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, the Turkish government launched a purge targeting academics associated with the Gülen movement. Tekalan was named in multiple legal indictments issued by Turkish authorities, who sought his extradition from the United States.
Dialogue and public advocacy Tekalan participates in international conferences on human rights, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue. Speaking at civic events, such as an international peace symposium in Amsterdam, he has advocated for dialogue and human rights as foundational frameworks for resolving global conflict.
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