The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department convened on the 24th of August 2024 its International Advisory Board (IAB) committee for a pivotal meeting to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the department’s academic programs and further strengthening its ties with industry. This important gathering brought together the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (FOE), Professor Rami Abboud, all members of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, and eight respected key industry representatives holding top managerial positions in their respective companies.

The 2024/2025 IAB members consist of the following esteemed members:

• • Ahmad Mhanna – Director, Middle East/North Africa Region at ACI, Dubai
• • Charbel Maroun – General Manager at Badael Al Bena, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• • Hussein Jahami – Founder of Jahami for Engineering, Lebanon
• • Khaled Awad – Former President of ACI International, USA and Founder of ACTS, Lebanon
• • Maher Khalil – Vice President at Khatib and Alami, and General Manager at Regional Headquarters, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• • Milad Khatib – Colonel in the Lebanese Army, Engineering Section, Lebanon
• • Naji Sfeir – Director, Expertise Training Center (ETC), Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lebanon
• • Raed Abi Ghannam – Founder of RAG Engineering, Lebanon

The meeting began with a welcoming address by Prof. Rami Abboud, Vice President for Internationalization & Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, setting the tone for a collaborative session. This was followed by a presentation made by Professor Joseph Assaad on key aspects for the BS, BE, and MS degrees in Civil Engineering, while highlighting the significant role that the IAB members can play in shaping the strategic educational decisions, particularly in the context of ABET accreditation.

The discussion then opened to participants, focusing on the main agenda item being the practical approaches that foster stronger relationships between academia and industry. These efforts aim to meet the evolving trends and address the challenges facing the future of Civil Engineering. Board members, faculty, and industry representatives exchanged ideas on how to best align academic offerings with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

The dialogue also delved into the performance of recent graduates in the workplace, reflecting on their readiness, adaptability, and areas where additional skills may be needed. Further discussions centered on improving internship opportunities and enhancing employment prospects for students. These insights contribute to ongoing efforts to refine the department’s curriculum and strengthen its connection with industry, ensuring that students receive a cutting-edge education that meets both current and future demands of the Civil and Environmental Engineering fields to support a more sustainable future.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud commended the efforts of Professor Joseph Assaad, Associate Dean for Research & Innovation, in aligning our educational and research strategies with that of industry. Professor Abboud equally thanked all IAB committee members for selflessly taking time to engage with our faculty to mark a continuous effort towards ensuring that the Civil and Environmental Engineering department remains at the forefront of educational and research excellence, while actively responding to the needs of industry and the global challenges of the profession. ​