Sharjah, Monday, June 13, 2011-- American University of Sharjah (AUS) plans to add a new undergraduate program to its roster of engineering degrees with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, announced Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS, following the university's Board of Trustees meeting held today, June 13, at the university's campus. The board also approved a number of other important initiatives at the meeting, added Chancellor Heath.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, chaired the board meeting and thanked the board members for their commitment and dedication toward the development of the university. The Sharjah Ruler also expressed satisfaction at the university's progress.

"I am pleased to report that the board has approved the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering degree and has asked us to seek the approval of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for this program," said Dr. Heath. "This degree will cater to the growing need of qualified professionals in this field throughout the region. The internationally accredited programs we offer at the College of Engineering are known for their outstanding quality, and we are certain that this new addition will prove to be another milestone in our development to become the region's leading university," said Dr. Heath.

Chancellor Heath also announced that Mr. Charles Cotton will be joining the university's board as a trustee. Mr. Cotton, who has had extensive experience with global and public technology companies based in the US and Europe, is a fellow of the British Institute of Physics and has had long-term experience with the University of Cambridge and Cambridge Enterprise. He has also been an executive director of Library House.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan was also given a briefing on the development plans of the proposed AUS school. Chancellor Heath also said that the board has instructed the AUS administration to continue planning for the establishment of the AUS School project and the AUS Research, Technology and Innovation Park.

The board has also approved the appointment of Dr. Olin Cleve McDaniel as the university's new Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration to replace George DeBin, who is retiring from AUS after having served it with distinction.

The board also approved a number of key resolutions appreciating the generosity of prominent friends of the university who has sincerely supported the AUS educational mission. The passed a resolution expressing its gratitude and appreciation to Said T. Khoury for the establishment of "The Said T. Khoury Chair in Leadership Studies". It also passed a resolution of appreciation to the Bank of Sharjah for establishing "The Bank of Sharjah Chair in Finance". It passed a resolution to honor the Chalhoub Group for the establishment of the Chalhoub Group Professorship in Luxury Brand Management. It also passed a resolution in honor of Riad Kamal for the establishment of The Riad Kamal Young Palestinians Scholarship Fund.

The Board of Trustees also expressed its gratitude to the many corporate partners of the American University of Sharjah assembled under the umbrella of "The AUS Business Network," which have recently created the AED 1 Million "Alumni Scholarship Fund" through their collective contributions in the AUS Business Forum.

The board also approved promotions and rolling contracts for a number of faculty members. It also received updates on various other important university matters.

Members of the AUS Board of Trustees are: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Board and President of AUS; Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Shamlan, Director-General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Kuwait; Dr. MaryAnn Baenninger, President, College of Saint Benedict, Minnesota, USA; Mr. Joseph L. Brand, Senior Partner, Patton Boggs LLP, Washington, DC, USA; Professor Lord Alec Broers, Member of the British House of Lords, UK; Dr. Anthony George Coates, Director of the Museum of Biodiversity, the Bridge of Life, Republic of Panama, and Senior Scientist Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution; Mr. Abdul Jalil Yousuf Darwish, Chairman of UAE Enterprises Group; Dr. Leroy S. Fletcher, Regents Professor Emeritus and Thomas A. Dietz Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University, USA; Dr. Roderick S. French, Chancellor Emeritus, AUS; Dr. Peter Heath, AUS Chancellor; Mr. Hamid D. Jafar, Chairman and CEO, Crescent Petroleum Company, Sharjah; Dr. Cornelius Kerwin, President, American University, Washington, DC, USA; Baroness Onora O'Neill of Bengarve, CBE PBA FMedSci, Member of the British House of Lords, UK; Mr. Riad T. Sadek, Chairman of Al Habtoor Leighton Group, Dubai; and Mr. Maroun A. Semaan, President and CEO, Petrofac International Ltd., Sharjah.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Thani, Director of the Office of the AUS President; Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, AUS Provost; and the following AUS vice chancellors: Salem Al Qaseer, Public Affairs; Dr. Moza Al Sehhi, Student Affairs; George DeBin, Finance and Administration; Ali Shuhaimy, Enrollment Management; Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, Development and Alumni Affairs. Representing the faculty at the meeting was Dr. Amer Moustafa, Associate Professor, College of Architecture, Art and Design. Student Council President Yousuf Al Jabri attended on behalf of the student body.

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© Press Release 2011