The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) announces changes to its Board of Governors following the completion of terms and the appointment of new members. On 4 February 2026, Professor Farid F. Panjwani and Dr Shogufa Mir Malekyar completed their terms of service on the Board of Governors. The Institute records its sincere appreciation for their dedicated service and valued contributions to the governance, academic direction, and institutional development of IIS.
His Highness the Aga Khan, Chair of IIS, has approved the appointment of three new members to the Board of Governors commencing in February 2026.
- Dr Minaz Fazal, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Education Department at New York Institute of Technology, with extensive experience in higher education leadership, governance, and institutional strategy.
- Professor Shenila Khoja-Moolji, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani Endowed Chair of Muslim Societies at Georgetown University, whose scholarship focuses on gender, Islam, and migration.
- Mr Fayyaz Nurmohamed, Director of Communications for His Highness the Aga KhanA title granted by the Shah of Persia to the then Ismaili Imam in 1818 and inherited by each of his successors to the Imamate. and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDNThe Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the ethics and social conscience of Islam through institutional action. More), with wide-ranging experience in strategic communications, media, and strategic planning.
The Institute warmly welcomes the newly appointed Governors and looks forward to benefiting from their collective expertise and perspectives. Their appointments reinforce IIS’ ongoing commitment to strong governance in support of its mission to advance the study of Muslim societies and intellectual traditions through research, publications, teaching, and outreach.
