More than 20 years after Iraq began its transition to democracy and peace, the United Nations resident coordinator hailed the remarkable transformation of the country.

Briefing journalists in New York, Ghulam Isaczai spoke about the transition from the long-running UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which ended its mandate in December, to a partnership with national authorities anchored to development.

“For those who lived through the troubled early years of the transition, today Iraq is unrecognizable and remarkable,” he said.

Isaczai highlighted that the country which was devastated by war following the invasion of 2003 now has increased confidence in its institutions and is moving towards greater stability, with marked increases in education, development and life expectancy.

Additionally, an improved security environment has enabled five million internally displaced people (IDPs) to return home, while those remaining in camps do so mostly because of housing or civil identification issues.

Finally, he noted an “important milestone” when the country held parliamentary elections last year with a 56 percent voter turnout – a 12 percent increase from the previous national vote – with around a third of the candidates being women.

He also noted that many Iraqis are now focused on developing their society and promoting stability and peace with their countrymen and their neighbors, a sharp contrast to constant wars and sponsoring of international organizations.

McMurry University students preparing for careers in ministry can now earn a Master of Divinity through a new partnership with Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. This agreement could shorten the time required to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Effective immediately, qualifying McMurry students may transfer to Perkins School of Theology during their senior year and begin coursework toward the Master of Divinity while completing their bachelor’s degree. Up to 15 credit hours of Perkins graduate coursework may be applied toward McMurry degree requirements, potentially reducing the total time to earn both degrees by one year.

Students admitted to the program are also eligible to receive a minimum 50% reduction in graduate tuition for Perkins courses, provided they maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average in their graduate studies.

The agreement expands a longstanding relationship between McMurry and SMU, both of which are rooted in Methodist traditions and emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and service.

“This extension and expansion of our relationship with McMurry University is an exciting and forward-thinking venture that will enable students to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in a shorter period of time with tremendous financial savings,” said Dr. Bryan Stone, dean of Perkins School of Theology. “This agreement embodies our shared United Methodist heritage and our dedication to educating the next generation of Christian ministers who will serve the church and the world in new ways that we can scarcely begin to imagine.”

The initial agreement will remain in effect for three years and may be renewed as the institutions continue to explore additional opportunities for students pursuing theological education.