The Man Who Does It All – The Story of Mourad Benikrane
By Grace Sprague
Image: University of New England
Walking around the bustling streets of Tangier, Morocco, an American student will often feel lost, anxious and as if they stick out like a sore thumb. This is one of the most challenging parts of studying abroad, as many students at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME choose to do.
The university is known for its’ Morocco campus and is credited with creating the first American college campus in Morocco. This campus would not be able to run or give students the guidance that they need to adjust to life in a new country, without their staff and faculty
. One of the most important people on the Tangier campus is Mourad Benikrane, the facilities manager of this campus.
Mourad’s job title may be facilities manager, but he goes far beyond this job title in his work with students. Mourad can often be found walking the streets of Tangier along with his students, doing everything from taking them on a day out to explore, or introducing them to people across the city who might have knowledge of students’ particular fields. There is a reason why students often refer to Mourad as “the most popular man in Tangier”, as walking down the street with him, he seems to know everyone.
“People are always calling out to him on the street, and he would always stop and have a full conversation with them. He seemed to know everyone we would come across.” Said Annika Doeppers, a junior marine biology student who studied in Tangier in Fall of 2023.
Mourad spent his childhood in the city of Tangier, only leaving to study in Fez for college. His father was a police officer, and his mother stayed at home. He grew up with one brother and two sisters, and his family was always very close.
“[It was] very happy life full of joy and big expectations,” Mourad said when describing his childhood.
He spent his college years in Fes, Morocco, and continued his studies at the University Lyon II in France.
“[Morocco] was not the same country I left for four years, to adapt oneself to some situations were not easy,” Mourad states when reflecting on his reunion with his home country.
After returning to Morocco, Mourad began working with the Voice of America broadcasting company, which is now the International Broadcasting Bureau, as a training officer and management specialist. He moved through a few different career positions in accounting, budgeting and finance, safety and security, and many more.
Ten years ago, Mourad decided to attend a lecture at the legation, the center for Morocco-United States relations, in Tangier. Mourad listened to the words of Dr. Anour Majid, his childhood friend, as was inspired by Dr. Majid’s vision for the first American college campus in Morocco.
“I sent my paperwork to Maine based on the job announcement, I was hired based on the years of experience and countless training programs I had taken before.” Mourad explained when talking about his journey to his current position.
At the University of New England, Mourad goes above and beyond his job description. While on paper, Mourad oversees safety and security, facilities and repairs and general upkeep on campus, he does so much more for the students that choose to take advantage of the Tangier program.
“Mourad always goes above and beyond for everything, if you ask him to take you anywhere or you want to meet anyone, Mourad is the man. My study abroad experience would not have been the same without him,” said Morgan Henderson, a junior marine affairs student who returned from Morocco in January.
Mourad can often be found sitting enjoying meals with his students and hanging out in common areas, his contagious smile spreading to every person he comes across. He is a wealth of information and knows everything about everything in Morocco. He enjoys assisting students with exploring the city, often accompanying them on new experiences to make them feel more comfortable.
“I had a student from UNE who spent the semester at the Tangier campus at its opening,” Mourad explained, reflecting back on some of his most memorable students, “He had a chance to revisit us, I cannot explain how he was happy, I brought my son to campus when he was very young and when he saw the student again it was very emotional.” Mourad explained that he has countless stories of connections with students, and it is what makes the work he puts into his job worth it.
Currently, Mourad lives in Tangier with his wife and young son and has three adult children. Each of his children is very successful, as his oldest daughter is a doctor, his second oldest is in her second year of her PhD, and his youngest daughter is in her first year of medical school. Mourad highlights the pride he has for his family.
Mourad looks forward to watching his family continue to grow, and to continue his work at UNE with his students.
