July 24, 2026 — Present
President
CURRENT ROLEAddis Ababa Science and Technology University
Leadership with
institutional purpose.
From school administration to the presidencies of two public universities, Dr. Asrat’s career spans education, research and governance.
CAREER TIMELINE
A record of
public service.
May 6, 2019 — July 23, 2026
President
University of Gondar
Served as full president following a period as acting president. The seven-year, five-month service period reported by Dr. Asrat includes his acting presidency.
March 4 — May 6, 2019
Acting President
University of Gondar
Assumed acting presidential responsibilities before his full appointment.
Feb. 16, 2016 — May 6, 2019
Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of Gondar
Oversaw aspects of academic administration and teaching-related policy.
May 15, 2015 — Feb. 15, 2016
Director, Research and Publication
University of Gondar
Led the research and publication directorate.
Oct. 18, 2009 — Sept. 15, 2011
Dean, College of Sciences
University of Gondar
Previously served as head of the Department of Statistics, Feb. 10–Oct. 17, 2009.
2002 — 2005
School and local government leadership
Tagel Senior Secondary School; Simada District
Principal, Tagel Senior Secondary School (Dec. 2002–June 2003); head, Simada District Office of Finance and Planning (June 2003–April 2005).
INSTITUTIONAL WORK
Priorities that
extend beyond campus.
Research capacity
Expanding postgraduate education, research facilities and academic partnerships.
Community engagement
University-supported community schools, outreach and the Gondar Foster Family Program.
Health infrastructure
Institutional initiatives involving health facilities and medical services.
Global collaboration
Academic exchange, institutional partnerships and international research links.
BOARDS & AFFILIATIONS
Governance and
collaboration.
ADDITIONAL ROLES
Policy Innovation Research Center (PIRC)
Consortium of Ethiopian Public Universities
Ethiopian Research Universities
UNESCO Chair on the Study of Ethiopian Jewry (co-hosted by the University of Gondar)
BRICS Think Tank Alliance — appointment documented by the BRICS Countries Cultural and Art International Cooperation Committee
OTHER BOARD EXPERIENCE
Earlier positions
- Nigat Corporate (board member; listed 2022)
- Independent advisory council and executive committee to the national police (listed 2024)
- Gondar College of Teachers’ Education (board member; listed since 2016)
- Fasil Kenema Sports Club (board member; listed since 2019)
- Tana Pulp and Paper Share Company (board member; listed since 2019)
- Life Support Ethiopia (board member; listed since 2022)
- Amhara Development Association, Gondar branch (board member; listed since 2021)
- University of Gondar Hospital (board member; 2016–2019)
CURRENT ROLE
President of
Addis Ababa Science and Technology University.
Appointed to lead AASTU in July 2026, following more than seven years of presidential service at the University of Gondar.
AASTU institutional website ↗President's Message ↗