WASHINGTON, Nov 17: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education have named Akbar S. Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and professor of international relations at American University, the 2004 District of Columbia Professor of the Year.

Mr Ahmed is the former high commissioner of Pakistan to Britain, and a distinguished anthropologist, writer, and filmmaker. He has been actively involved in interfaith dialogue and the study of global Islam and its impact on contemporary society for many years.

"Dr Ahmed is able to carry out his remarkable teaching inside and outside the classroom because his skill is based on a spectacular record of accomplishment," said Louis Goodman, Dean of American University's School of International Service.

"He has thrown himself into the teaching of existing courses such as 'The World of Islam' and has designed new courses such as God and Globalization in a manner that has been inspirational to his students and has generated an extremely wide following on campus.

His courses have created such interest that they are filled and over-filled early in the registration periods of each semester." "As a Muslim educator I am honoured to have been selected for this American award," said Mr Ahmed. "It's my hope that through education and dialogue, we can work together to bridge the gaps that divide us."

This year there are winners in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Mr Ahmed was selected from faculty members nominated by colleges and universities throughout the country.