Imam Amir Duric named as assistant dean for spiritual and religious affairs at Hendricks Chapel.
Imam Amir Durić Appointed Assistant Dean at Syracuse University
Imam Amir Durić, a devoted religious leader and alumnus of Syracuse University, has been appointed as the Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at Hendricks Chapel. This new role recognizes Durić's leadership, experience, and commitment to fostering inclusivity and interfaith cooperation across the university community [1][3][4][5].
Durić has been serving as the Muslim chaplain at Hendricks Chapel since 2017. In this role, he has made significant contributions, creating a renowned Muslim chaplaincy and establishing the first Muslim Student Life endowment, which has resulted in a significant increase in student participation [2].
Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Durić's early childhood experiences in conflict areas have shaped his lifelong commitment to pluralism, mutual understanding, and interfaith cooperation. His background includes leadership roles within the Islamic Community in Bosnia and North America, co-founding a humanitarian NGO, and community-building as a global citizen [1].
In his expanded role, Durić provides visionary and compassionate leadership aimed at enhancing spiritual wellness, ethical development, and deeper interfaith engagement among students and faculty. He is credited with embodying pluralism and promoting cooperation among diverse religious traditions [1].
Durić's scholarship and community work focus on the experiences of Muslim students, interfaith engagement, and the intersection of faith and public life. He is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and has received numerous awards for his community service and leadership [2][3][4].
In 2023, Durić co-founded the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship at Syracuse University. He is also a member of the board of directors for Interfaith Works of Central New York and a consultant through his firm, Durić LLC, advising institutions on cultural competency and inclusive practices related to their Muslim constituencies [1][3].
The Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel, praised Durić's interfaith leadership and commitment to the University community. Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean of Hendricks Chapel, looks forward to working with Durić in his new role [3].
In addition to his academic achievements, Durić holds a B.A. in Islamic studies from the University of Sarajevo, a master of arts in religious studies, graduate certificates in Islamic chaplaincy and imam and Muslim community leadership from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, an executive master of public administration, and a certificate of advanced study in public leadership and management from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs [1]. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in social science.
As Durić takes on his new role, the university community can look forward to his continued leadership in promoting interfaith engagement, spiritual wellness, and ethical development.
[1] - Syracuse University News [2] - Syracuse University News [3] - The Daily Orange [4] - Interfaith America [5] - The Syracuse Post-Standard
Imam Amir Durić's extensive experience in fostering inclusivity and interfaith cooperation, along with his focus on personal growth and education-and-self-development, promises a promising synergy in enhancing spiritual wellness and ethical development among students and faculty at Syracuse University. His ongoing scholarly pursuits and community work also illuminate his dedication to the exploration and expansion of interfaith understanding at the university.
