The new year has ushered in a novel era at Ajman University as the new Chancellor takes office today. A distinguished scholar, Dr. Karim Seghir, has a stellar career spread across the globe and brings his experience and expertise to Ajman University (AU). The board of Trustees of AU headed by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman had approved his appointment on 17th October 2016. This decision comes aligned with the vision to expand the University’s horizon and fortify its march towards excellence in education and global outreach.

“I am delighted and honored to serve as a Chancellor of such a prominent university that has been positively contributing to the advancement of higher education in the UAE and the GCC region for almost 30 years. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, employers, and friends to nurture Ajman University’s productive and diverse intellectual environment, and to strengthen the positioning of the University on the regional and global maps of higher education”, Dr. Seghir expressed .

Dr. Seghir has previously served as the Dean of the School of Business at the American University in Cairo (AUC) since July 2014.  He has also served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Administration at the AUC School of Business from June 2011 to June 2014 and was in charge of international accreditations, such as AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, among other things.

Dr. Seghir has an extensive and geographically diverse professional experience. Born in France and raised in Tunisia, Seghir earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1997 from the University of Tunis. He earned a Master of Science in Mathematical Methods in Economics and Finance and a PhD in Mathematical Economics and Finance from University of Paris 1 Sorbonne in 1998 and 2002, respectively.

Dr. Seghir has also served as a Visiting Professor at Pontificia Universidade Catolica in Rio de Janeiro in 2003 and at Universidad de Chile in 2010. He also served as a visiting researcher at Universidade NOVA in Lisbon from September 2002 to September 2004. Prior to joining AUC, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Economics at the American University of Beirut from September 2004 to September 2006.

Dr. Seghir has also served as a panelist in various regional and international events including AACSB, EFMD, PRME, Economic Research Forum and the World Bank. He also served as Peer Review Team member for AACSB and EQUIS accreditation visits in the region and beyond. Recently, he has been appointed on the advisory board of the Harvard Business Review Arabia.

His appointment comes at an exciting time for Ajman University, as it prepares for its 30th anniversary in 2018. Dr. Seghir affirmed, “I am positive that, together, we will fulfill the full and promising potential of the University, building on the solid achievements that have been made over the past 28 years”.