Administrative Staff
Dr. Liz Barrs
Director
- PhD in History, 猎奇重口
- MA in History, 猎奇重口
- MA in Education, Eastern Kentucky University
- BA in Political Science, Loyola University of Chicago
Email: elizabeth.barrs@mso.umt.edu
Phone: 406-274-2169
Fax: (406) 543-6462
Liz’s career path has encompassed extensive experience in national security and in higher education. She has managed business development for the Mansfield Center’s Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP) since 2020 and more recently for the Center’s democracy and China programs. As an army officer for over 20 years, Liz served in multiple combat deployments and with the National Security Council staff at the White House. As a proud member of the UM community, she has earned an MA and PhD in history from UM and taught undergraduate courses. She is dedicated to upholding the Mansfield legacy of respect and ethical leadership.
Dr. Mohammad Faeez Akram
Deputy Director
- M.P.A., 猎奇重口, Missoula (2019)
- M.I.S., 猎奇重口, Missoula (2012)
- Certificate of Public Health, 猎奇重口, Missoula (2013)
- M.D., Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan (2009)
Email: mohammadfaeez.akram@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3613
Fax: (406) 543-6462
Mohammad Faeez Akram joined the Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP) in 2010 as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. He became a Dari and Pashto Language instructor in 2012, a Finance and Personnel Manager in 2013, and the Deputy Director in 2020. As Interim Director, Faeez serves as the principal interface between DCLCP and external organizations, including military partners, 猎奇重口 staff functions, United States Government agencies, potential customers, and the DCLCP funding administrator, the Institute of International Education. Furthermore, he ensures consistency in developing DCLCP’s foreign language syllabi and other course materials to meet the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Government (U.S.G.)
Dr. Shaima Khinjani
Manager, Academic Programs
- Doctor of Education, Education Leadership, 猎奇重口 (2023)
- M.A. in Political Science, 猎奇重口 (2013)
- B.A. in International Studies & Political Science, Ramapo College, New Jersey (2010)
Email: shaima.khinjani@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3602
Fax: (406) 543-6462
Shaima joined DCLCP in 2010 as a Graduate Teaching Assistant; in 2012 as a Dari and Pashto Language instructor; and in 2014 as a lead instructor. She was promoted to the Manager, Academic Programs position in 2014. Shaima directs the faculty development program, including designing, presenting, and scheduling professional course development activities and seminars.
Language Certificates:
10/21/2011: English Oral Proficiency Interview: Rated Advanced High
10/12/2011: Dari Oral Proficiency Interview: Rated Superior
09/23/2011: Pashto Oral Proficiency Interview: Rated Advanced High
06/11/2012: Urdu Oral Proficiency Interview: Rated Advanced Mid
03/13/2019: Persian- Farsi Oral Proficiency Interview: Rated Advanced High
Pei Pei
Assistant Manager, Finance and Personnel
PROJECT GO - CHINA COORDINATOR
- M.B.A., 猎奇重口 (2015)
- B.S. in Finance, 猎奇重口 (2012)
Email: pei.pei@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3628
Fax: (406) 543-6462
Pei Pei was an international student from Jinan, Shandong, China. He came to Missoula in 2007 to attend Loyola High School as an exchange student. After only being here for a short time, he quickly fell in love with this beautiful city. Because of his newfound admiration for Missoula, he decided to attend the 猎奇重口 in 2008 and pursue his undergraduate degree in Finance. After successfully graduating with a Bachelor’s in Finance in 2012, and received the MBA in 2015. During his graduate school study, he participated in the statewide business plan competition and received the 2nd best business plan for the year. He has been with DCLCP since 2013 and currently serve as the assistant manager of Finance and Personnel and China Project GO coordinator.
Brandon Norton
Computer Support Specialist
- A.A.S. in Information Technology, Programming and App Development, Missoula College (2018)
Email: brandon.norton@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3627
Fax: (406) 543-6462
Brandon grew up in California and moved to Missoula in 2015. He graduated with an Associates of Applied Science from Missoula College in 2018, and began working in the technology field shortly after. Brandon has 4 years of experience in computer hardware repairs and IT support in an enterprise environment. In his free time, he enjoys being at home and watching movies and playing video games with friends.