In the framework of the several days stay in Kosovo under patronage of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the President of James Madison University in USA, Mr. Jonathan R. Alger and his delegation, visited the University of Gjakova "Fehmi Agani". On this occasion, on June 20, 2017 was held a one - day conference entitled "Leadership and Strategic Development of Higher Education" 

The Rector Prof. Dr. Shaban Buza, on his opening speech of the conference, after welcoming the participants, said  "It is a special privilege that UGJFA was entrusted by MEST to organize this conference, on a second day visit of the James Madison University delegation, headed by President Alger”. Also, on this speech, he informed the participants about the aims of the conference, which were addressed and discussed in separate panels. These issues were: 

1. Strategic development of higher education institutions with unique missions that well address societal needs.

2. Empowering the administrators and faculty of each university to autonomously manage their academic programs.

3. Preparing students to be effective citizens and leaders in a democratic society. 

The plenary session continued with the welcoming speeches of the Director of Higher Education Ms. Drita Kadrija, President of James Madison University Mr. Jonathan R. Alger and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Gjakova Mr. Alban Vokshi. Then, the participants were divided into three panels to discuss the addressed issues and to draw the conclusions of the conference. The conclusions were presented in the last session by Rector Buza, President Alger and two other members of this delegation, Prof. Dr. Michael Stoloff and dr. Mark Varner.

In his closing speech, President Alger stressed that the partnership between Kosovo and the University of James Madison in the future will deepen even further and Kosovar students will have a chance to study at this university and other American universities, as well. 

Invited guests and participants to this conference were members of the delegation of James Madison University, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Kosovo Accreditation Agency, Rectors, Vice-Rectors and representative students from public universities in Kosovo, as well as member of the Steering Council, Deans, Heads of study programs and students from the University of Gjakova.