Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, has announced the appointment of Dr. Tod A. Laursen as the new Chancellor of AUS.

In a town hall meeting held on October 23, AUS students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to meet Dr. Laursen.

Addressing the AUS community, Sheikha Bodour said: “Dr Laursen’s arrival marks a new phase in AUS’s evolution, with a sharper focus on big-picture thinking in our research, degree programs, and graduate preparation. AUS is committed to finding meaningful solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges, and Dr Laursen will spearhead that ongoing effort. His 30-year career spans many educational leadership roles where he has consistently delivered progress and growth, notably in research and development, so we’re delighted he is joining us at this exciting point in AUS’s story.”

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Laursen said: "I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to join AUS at this moment, as its seventh chancellor. I want to thank our President, Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, as well as the Board of Trustees, for their favorable consideration of my candidacy.  My wife Jennifer and I were privileged to live in the UAE previously for eight years, and I always held this institution, its faculty and students, and its accomplishments in the highest esteem. The foresight shown by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, in establishing this institution, and nurturing it through the years, is truly remarkable. Building on the excellent foundation that was established in 1997, we have the opportunity now as an institution to reach even greater heights in research and scholarship, thought leadership, community service and quality of the student experience. I look forward to working collaboratively with all members of our community toward that end."

The meet and greet event featured a panel discussion hosted by the AUS Student Council with Dr. Laursen and Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of College of Engineering (CEN); Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of School of Business Administration (SBA); and Dr. Faysal Tabbara, Associate Dean of College of Architecture, Art and Design (SBA).  

During the panel discussion, Dr. Laursen addressed areas related to assessment of institutional success and enhancing the well-being, effectiveness and overall experience within the university community. Dr. Boubakri touched upon SBA’s strategic plans, goals, ranking and community engagement in the coming five years. Dr. Tabara assessed and celebrated the performance and contributions of CAAD, focusing on the academic and non-academic aspects of the student experience and recognizing the role of students in shaping the college's overall success and reputation. Dr. Aloul highlighted CEN’s efforts in curriculum development, market research and needs, alignment with industry trends, quality assurance and community engagement. Dr Anabtawi discussed student preparedness for the job market, career development and placement and industry engagement. He also spoke about CAS’ long-term vision for the college’s growth and development.  

Dr. Laursen comes to AUS after almost 11 years of service as a university leader with a strong international perspective, having led Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, SUNY Polytechnic Institute in New York, and Wigwe University in Nigeria. 

While working in the New York system, he served for two years as Chief Academic Officer (Provost) of the State University of New York system, which consists of 64 campuses and approximately 400,000 registered students.   

During his time at Khalifa University, he led the team that designed and executed the merger of Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, The Masdar Institute and the Petroleum Institute.

With more than 100 refereed articles, book chapters, abstracts and books to his name, Dr. Laursen is a professor of mechanical engineering and a noted authority in computational mechanics. His academic journey includes faculty appointments in civil, biomedical and mechanical engineering. He has also served as Associate Dean for Education at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, where he oversaw both undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. 

Dr. Laursen holds a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University.

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