The American University in Cairo just introduced its 13th president today; celebrating him in a formal exclusive event and a campus-wide parade.
The new president: Ahmed S. Dallal, An American University in Beirut (AUB) Mechanical Engineering graduate with an MA, MPhil, and Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Colombia University. This makes Dallal the first Arab American to serve as AUC President.
The event was attended by Mark Turnage, Chairman of the AUC board of trustees, the three former AUC presidents, the AUC Board and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, along with presidents of sister universities, faculty, staff, and students. The newly appointed president was given the presidential necklace and eternalized this moment by taking the inauguration photo.
During his speech Dallal emphasized on his top priorities which are, focusing on ta culture of excellence and a culture of care, to achieve the two most important pillars of education at AUC, the pursuit of truth and producing and disseminating knowledge. He also highlighted that the university stand on a solid ground.
He declared that in his time at AUC he aims to tackle more than one thing, highlighting his intention to collaborate with sister universities, regionally and globally to maximize the collective impact on our societies.
The following campus parade was led by the AUC Eagle mascot and a band, the whole community celebrated along with the music. The AUC sport teams and clubs even joined in on the fun!
Dallal is an academic leader, a renowned scholar with expertise in U.S higher education. He is the former dean of Georgetown University in Qatar and former provost to the American University in Beirut (2009-2015.)
He taught at several universities; including AUB, Stanford University, Yale University, Smith College, and finally, Georgetown where he was Chair of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Dallal is well experienced in increasing scholarly production. During his administrative years, he oversaw the title IX office at several universities, he also introduced socio-economic diversity through financial aid and scholarships.
Originally an engineer, Dallal is well experienced in STEM disciplines. He is also well versed in human sciences, through earning his master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Colombia University. This blend of both sciences and humanities earned him a unique perspective.
