KU president Prof. Hussein Al-Ansari extended his congratulations to Dr. Yusur Al-Madani, Faculty member - College of Arts, on Winning the 2017 George Norlin Award from University of Colorado Boulder. The George Norlin Award recognizes outstanding alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their chosen field of endeavor and a devotion to the betterment of society and their community.
Professor Al-Ansari expressed Kuwait University's pride by embracing a distinguished elite of faculty members who are highly qualified , ambitious and have achieved outstanding accomplishments in scientific fields by winning awards, thus realizing Kuwait University's vision of being a leading university in the field of higher education and scientific research.
Dr. Yusur Al-Madani completed her doctoral studies with the University of Colorado Boulder in 1982, she became the first Kuwaiti citizen to earn a PhD in English literature with an American emphasis. Upon receiving her degree, Professor Al-Madani returned to Kuwait where she’s led a distinguished career at Kuwait University in a range of faculty and administrative roles.
She delivered on her vision as Head of the English Language and Literature Department by establishing in 2003 the English Day, an outlet for creativity for students which has become a standing tradition since then. As Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Kuwait University, she developed and gained accreditation for the university’s College of Arts.
She also chaired the college’s now-thriving French department until February 2017. In 2009, Yusur was awarded the Palm Academic Award by the French Ambassador on behalf of the French Republic for her efforts in launching the department, the first in the Gulf area.  
George Norlin award was first presented in 1930 to honors alumni of the University of Colorado Boulder for the distinguished achievements. The award was created to recognized George Norlin who served as the university's fifth president from 1919 to 1939. This is the first time the award goes to non American citizen and from a university that is outside of the USA.