Dr. Chaouki T. Abdallah, a researcher and educator who has held several high-ranking positions in the US, has assumed his duties as the 10th president of the Lebanese American University (LAU).
Upon arriving in Lebanon this month, Dr. Abdallah expressed his confidence in the Lebanese people’s deep-seated heritage and their moral and humanitarian values, that will carry the country through this difficult crisis.
Prior to joining LAU, Dr. Abdallah had most recently held the role of Executive Vice President for Research at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), during which time the university accomplished a significant growth in research, reaching $1.45 million in funding. As the former President of the University of New Mexico, he had also led major efforts that resulted in an 8 percent increase in first-year student enrollment and a 125 percent increase in graduation rates. Dr. Abdallah is a leading expert in systems theory and engineering, having published eight books and over 400 peer-reviewed articles.
In a message to the LAU community, Mr. Philip Stoltzfus, Chairman of the LAU Board of Trustees, praised Dr. Abdallah’s qualifications and stature as well as his rich legacy in leadership that will serve LAU well as the university closes its first century and enters its second. He highlighted the new president’s impressive record in building one of the largest and most innovative research and entrepreneurship programs in the world, in addition to his international network.
Dr. Abdallah underscored that he is honored to have been chosen to lead LAU. “I grew up in Lebanon, where my parents still live, and I appreciate the opportunities made possible by Lebanon’s primary and secondary education system that prepared me for my undergraduate and graduate studies in the US. I am privileged to return home at this time to serve LAU’s mission and its noble goals,” he said.
Before arriving in Lebanon, Dr. Abdallah had embarked on his presidential duties a few weeks prior, as he attended the university’s Board of Trustees meeting at LAU’s New York branch campus, followed by the meeting of the Association of Arab Researchers, organized by Qatar Foundation at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University. At the meeting, Dr. Abdallah’s presentation centered on the important role of Arab researchers in contributing to rebuilding and recovery following war and conflict.
It is worth noting that LAU, faced with the immense conflict in Lebanon, has remained steadfast in upholding its mission, as classes continued through hybrid in-person and online learning modalities. Classrooms were immediately equipped with enhanced digital capabilities to facilitate the pivot to remote learning.
Taking into account the growing financial challenges and needs of its students, the university put into effect plans to increase its financial aid budget.
LAU is also at the center of immense relief efforts nationwide, where it has dispatched its two mobile clinics to cater to the healthcare needs of Lebanon’s displaced populations across different districts. It has also provided essential relief and support to its own faculty and staff who have been forced to leave their homes.
More than 9,000 students are currently enrolled at the Beirut and Byblos campuses, as well as the New York branch campus in downtown Manhattan. The university focuses on its mission of educating the whole person and producing outstanding leaders in their work and service to others. It also boasts an integrated health system, comprising two academic hospitals: the LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital in Beirut and the LAU Medical Center–Saint John’s Hospital in Jounieh, and aims for further progress and expansion in line with its mission.