NEWARK, N.J. --- NJIT Cross Country/Track & Field head coach Al Alonso has announced the addition of Fawzia Kheir to the Highlander coaching staff. Kheir will assist Alonso and the staff in all aspects of the program, with an emphasis on middle distance.

This will be Kheir's first collegiate coaching position but she is no stranger to high-level competition. Kheir spent time competing in cross country and track & field at Essex County College, Norfolk State, and Division II Winston-Salem State.

Kheir garnered several honors and accolades during her collegiate career, including: six-time NJCAA All-American, two-time NJCAA Region XIX cross country champion, multi-time CIAA individual champion (3000, 1500, 800 meters), NCAA Division II All-American and Championship qualifier (800 meters), multi-time CIAA team champion (indoor, cross country), and holding WSSU's school record in the 800 meters. 

In addition to her college success, Kheir has competed as a member of the Egyptian National Track and Field team and helped Egypt's 4x400 relay earn bronze at the 2019 Arab Championships. 

Kheir is a native of Jersey City, N.J. and starred at Dickinson High School from 2008-12.