The Lebanese American University (LAU) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Chaouki T. Abdallah as its 10th president, marking a new chapter in its history.
Abdallah, who succeeds Dr. Michel E. Mawad, is currently the Executive Vice President for Research at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), LAU said in a press release, adding “he brings a wealth of experience to the role.”
Philip Stoltzfus, Chair of the LAU Board of Trustees, expressed full confidence in Abdallah, stating he “embodies the qualities and values” sought in the university’s next president.
As LAU’s 10th president, Abdallah is tasked with leading the university’s global expansion. “LAU is confident that Abdallah is the right leader to steward this sacred mission,” Stoltzfus concluded.
Expressing his enthusiasm to return to Lebanon, Abdallah said he hopes to “ensure that LAU, in close partnership with other higher education institutions, continue their positive influence on the well-being of our communities in Lebanon, the Arab world, and globally.”
“As we celebrate LAU’s centennial, opportunities abound to contribute even more to educating future generations of leaders and doers,” he added.
Abdallah’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Youngstown State University, a Master of Science degree from Georgia Tech, and a PhD from the same institute. He commenced his higher education journey at Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Lebanon, showcasing a well-rounded and diverse educational background.
Additionally, Abdallah serves on the Board of Trustees in several institutions, including the American University of Sharjah, Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, the Georgia Tech Foundation, and Southern Light Rail.
The appointment of Abdallah underscores LAU’s commitment to excellence and its vision of becoming a leading global educational institution. With his impressive academic career and professional experience, Abdallah is well-positioned to guide LAU to new heights, the press release addded.
