AUS board approves plans for institutional growth

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), chaired the AUS Board of Trustees meeting held recently on campus.

The board approved a series of resolutions covering academic governance, faculty recognition, budget planning, strategic projects, audited financial statements and new board appointments.

Sheikha Bodour said: “Over the past three years, the AUS Board of Trustees has strengthened the foundations of a transparent, disciplined and future-focused institution, providing the right guidance and oversight to support AUS through growth and transformation. Thanks to them, we are pursuing our strategic plan from a position of strength, with growing academic momentum, sound financial planning and a clear vision for the future. I want to thank all trustees, past and present, whose expertise and commitment have helped position AUS for a successful future.”

Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, highlighted the significance of the board’s actions.

“These approvals give AUS a clear framework for the year ahead,” said Chancellor Laursen.

“They support faculty excellence, strengthen investment in research and graduate studies and advance major projects that are central to the university’s long-term development. With the board’s guidance, our focus is on disciplined implementation and on ensuring that each priority delivers measurable value for students, faculty, partners and the wider community.”

The board approved the establishment of an AUS-owned K–12 school, to be operated by GEMS Education under a long-term management agreement. The school will follow an American curriculum and serve as a research- and innovation-focused feeder institution, creating opportunities for engagement between the school community and AUS faculty and students.

The board also approved the AUS Urban Hub Project, a large-scale mixed-use development on university land adjacent to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. Envisioned as a sustainable, AI-enabled community, the hub will bring together residential, commercial and innovation-focused spaces, strengthening AUS’ role in regional growth and long-term value creation.

The board also approved the appointment of six new members: Edris Al Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Invest bank; Hatem Mohamed Al Mosa, Director General of the Petroleum Department in the Emirate of Sharjah and Secretary-General of the Sharjah Energy Council; Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO and Chair of the Governing Council of the UN University for Peace; Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, René M. Kern Practice Professor at The Wharton School and Senior Global Fellow at the Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania; Mouza Alabbar, Co-Founder and CEO of Alabbar Enterprises; and Omar Saif Ghobash, Adviser to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Holy See.

The board approved changing the name of the university’s executive education division to Executive Education and Professional Development, supporting AUS’ work in continuing education, professional learning and industry engagement.

The board also approved faculty rolling contracts and faculty promotions.

In recognition of sustained academic service and achievement, Dr. Vernon Pederson from the Department of International Studies, Dr. Yousef Salamin from the Department of Physics and Dr. Adil Tamimi from the Department of Civil Engineering received the title of Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Jamal Abdalla from the Department of Civil Engineering was recognised as Distinguished Professor.

The board approved the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 General Operating Budget, including parameters and endowment allocations, as well as the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Research and Graduate Studies Budget. It also approved the audited financial statements of American University of Sharjah Enterprises for Fiscal Year 2024–2025.

The AUS Board of Trustees provides oversight of the university’s strategic direction, governance and long-term institutional development.

Through these approvals, the board continues to support AUS’ priorities in education, research, operational planning and service to Sharjah and the UAE.