Beirut: Dr. Chaouki T. Abdallah, a researcher and educator with a distinguished career in the United States, has taken on his new role as the 10th president of the Lebanese American University (LAU). Upon his arrival in Lebanon, Dr. Abdallah expressed confidence in the Lebanese people’s enduring heritage and values, which he believes will help navigate the nation’s current crisis.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Dr. Abdallah previously served as the Executive Vice President for Research at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he oversaw a notable growth in research funding, reaching $1.45 billion. His tenure as President of the University of New Mexico saw significant improvements, with an 8% increase in first-year student enrollment and a 125% increase in graduation rates. Dr. Abdallah is a recognized expert in systems theory and engineering, having contributed to eight books and over 400 peer-reviewed articles.
Philip Stoltzfus, Chairman of the LAU Board of Trustees, commended Dr. Abdallah’
s qualifications, emphasizing his leadership legacy that promises to benefit LAU as it transitions into its second century. Stoltzfus highlighted Dr. Abdallah’s achievement in establishing one of the world’s largest and most innovative research and entrepreneurship programs and his extensive international network.
Dr. Abdallah expressed his honor in leading LAU, noting his personal connection to Lebanon and his gratitude for the educational opportunities that prepared him for academic success in the US. He had already begun his presidential duties by attending key meetings, including the LAU Board of Trustees in New York and the Association of Arab Researchers in Qatar, where he discussed the role of Arab researchers in post-conflict recovery.
Despite the challenges posed by conflict in Lebanon, LAU has continued its educational mission through hybrid learning models, enhancing digital capabilities for remote learning. The university has also expanded its financial aid budget to address the financial needs
of its students.
LAU is actively involved in nationwide relief efforts, deploying mobile clinics to assist Lebanon’s displaced populations and providing essential support to its faculty and staff affected by the crisis. With over 9,000 students across its campuses in Beirut, Byblos, and New York, the university remains committed to its mission of holistic education and leadership development. It also operates two academic hospitals, aiming for further growth in alignment with its mission.