Shiraz University

Shiraz University (in Persian: دانشگاه شیراز), formerly known as Pahlavi University, is a public university located in Shiraz, Iran. It is one the major universities of Iran (Persia).

Presently the University has over 13,000 students, with 53 programs Bachelor's degree programs (B.A., B.S.), 61 Master's degrees programs (M.A., M.S.), one professional degree program (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), and 25 Ph.D. programs.

History
Shiraz University traces its roots to 1946, with the establishment of a technical college aimed at training specialists in the medical sciences with a four year program.

Initially called the High Institute of Health, it developed into a medical school in 1950. In 1953, the Namazi School of Nursing and the Colleges of Agriculture and Arts and Sciences were established.

With the addition of the College of Engineering and College of Veterinary Medicine in 1954, the school was elevated to university-status and named after the reigning Pahlavi dynasty. Other units that were subsequently added were the Dental School in 1969, the Graduate School and College of Electronics in 1969, Dentistry in 1970 and the Colleges of Law and Education in 1977.

In 1960, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, invited University of Pennsylvania president Gaylord Harnwell to come to Iran and examine Iran's higher education institutions. Harnwell prepared a report at the Shah's request, entitled A Pattern for a New University in Iran, and the Shah subsequently decided that Penn would assist the Iranian government in transforming Pahlavi University into the only institution in the Middle East based on American-style higher education. The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) thus became highly influential in shaping many of Pahlavi University's departments and institutions. Many faculty members from Penn were hence sent to Shiraz to teach and carry out research at the university, and a widespread exchange program was established. The president of the University of Pennsylvania was even awarded an honorary degree in Shiraz in recognition of the help of Penn to Pahlavi University.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty, drastic changes were implemented at all universities. The name of Pahlavi University was immediately changed to Shiraz University. In 1986, the Iranian Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education took over the departments and faculties in the medical sciences and created a separate Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

University institutes
Affiliated Academic and Research Institutes of the University and their respective date of inception are:


 * 1966 Naranjestan e Ghavam Museum
 * 1969 Geotechnical Institute
 * 1970 Shiraz University Computer Center
 * 1973 Agricultural Research Center
 * 1973 Population Center
 * 1974 Solar Energy Center
 * 1974 Museum of Natural History and Technology
 * 1976 Abu Reyhan-e-Birooni Observatory
 * 1977 Center for Atomic Radiation
 * 1982 Office for Scientific Cooperation and Consultation
 * 1983 Eram Botanical Garden

Notables of Shiraz University

 * Abbas Milani, head of Hoover Institute.
 * Mohsen Kadivar, Philosopher.
 * Mostafa Moeen, Vice President during Khatami's second presidency.
 * Ata'ollah Mohajerani, alumnus, Secretary of Culture during Khatami's first presidency.
 * Asadollah Alam, Chancellor, close advisor of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
 * John Limbert, US ambassador.
 * Mohammad Soleimani, alumnus, Iran's current Minister of Communications.
 * Alireza Tahmasbi, alumnus, Iran's current Minister of Mines and Industry.
 * Richard Nelson Frye, director of the famous "Asia Institute" in Shiraz, and faculty member of the university.