IAUP Third Seminar on Leadership Development for New Presidents & Emerging Leaders November 30 - December 2, 2023, Doha, Qatar

Opening Presentation in the Panel on “Governance of Colleges and Universities”

H.E. Prof. Hassan B. Diab, November 30, 2023, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.

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Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished participants.

It is an honor to be here today as a panelist at this Seminar on Leadership Development for New Presidents and Emerging Leaders. Our discussion revolves around a topic of paramount importance: the Governance of Colleges and Universities. I stand before you not only as a panelist but also as someone who has had the privilege to serve the realm of higher education in various roles - as a professor, Chairman, Dean, Vice president, President, as well as Minister for Higher Education. These diverse experiences have furnished me with unique insights into the complexities of governing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

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My long-standing experience in education made me a firm believer in its power to bring about significant change in the world provided it is implemented creatively and indiscriminately. Thus, the wealth of any country is no longer its natural resources but rather its youth as they represent the future. It is, therefore, our responsibility and duty to provide the best educational systems for them.?

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Given the possibilities of new technologies, traditional HEIs will face significant transformation, which also implies that traditional governance models will change in order to cope with new challenges, such as the expansion of distance education and e-learning, the use of AI, as well as new methodologies of delivery. Such trends will have implications for governance and information-sharing that needs to be tackled collaboratively.

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In the dynamic landscape of higher education, effective governance is the bedrock upon which the future of our institutions is built. It’s not merely a matter of administrative functions; it’s about shaping the minds of future leaders, thinkers, and innovators. It’s about the dynamics of organizational excellence, goal setting, planning and change leadership, addressing crises, and continuous improvement at both the individual and organization levels. Becoming an effective leader, which is central to an organization’s success, requires a special commitment to learning core leadership concepts as well as to be an effective communicator by comfortably engaging with a wide range of people; both in and outside the campus and in both public and private settings. Allow me to briefly share some key reflections on what universities need to adopt based on my academic journey:

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1. Visionary Leadership:

Leadership in higher education today is complex and challenging, but also rich with opportunities. As leaders, it is our responsibility to set a clear and inspiring vision for our institutions, a vision that not only adapts to the changing global landscape but also fosters innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. Transformation of education is the enabler of change in our social systems to produce global citizens that promote multi-cultural and multi-religious tolerance, which perhaps is one of many parameters that will influence the future of our world.

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2. Inclusivity and Diversity:

Education goes beyond career development to the development of students’ mental capacities, including their ability to distinguish facts from opinions, be creative and critical, appreciate diversity, believe in equality, and embrace others. The governance of colleges and universities must be inclusive and diverse. Embracing a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enriches the academic environment and prepares students for a multicultural world.

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3. Collaborative Decision-Making:

Engaging stakeholders - faculty, students, staff, and the community - in the decision-making process is vital. Collaboration breeds a sense of ownership and ensures that policies and initiatives reflect the collective wisdom of the entire institution. For example, attempting to change in an institutional culture requires vision, focus, energy, and eventually buy-in from those that are part of an already established deep-rooted culture in an organization they are working in. In fact, Change Management is one of the critical qualities of effective leaders as they go through rapid changes in today’s work environment.

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4. Academic Excellence and Research:

Upholding academic standards and promoting research are at the core of higher education. A robust governance structure supports faculty in their pursuit of knowledge, enabling groundbreaking research and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

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5. Financial Sustainability:

Sound financial management is imperative. Sustainable funding models, prudent budgeting, and transparency in financial operations are essential to ensure the long-term stability and growth of our institutions. Universities adopting the mainly tuition-driven business model need to make their systems immune to economic recessions. This must include reinventing the business model to include income-generation from multiple sources instead of relying mainly on the traditional tuition-generating programs and philanthropy.

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6. Adaptability and Innovation:

Entrepreneurship is about galvanizing innovative solutions to unique problems. Education is about triggering the minds of youth to think differently and find innovative solutions to improve our world. The education sector is evolving rapidly with innovation becoming central as the industry is taking an entrepreneurial approach to the way students learn, professors teach and increasing collaborative approach. Transformational leaders prioritize innovation in order?to meet present and future challenges.?Accordingly, effective governance involves adapting to change and embracing innovation, be it in teaching methods, on-line offerings, technological integration, or interdisciplinary collaborations among others.

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7. Advocacy and Public Engagement:

Leaders must advocate for the value of higher education in society. Public engagement and outreach initiatives bridge the gap between the campus and the community, fostering mutual understanding and support. Leadership must practice empathy, in order to foster an inclusive, diverse and compassionate community.

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During my tenure as Minister of Education and Higher Education (2011-14) for almost 3 years, the ministry accomplished many achievements in the form of hundreds of ministerial decisions, decrees and laws. As a result, in the 2013 World Economic Forum report which ranked 144 countries, Lebanon received the following ranking in higher education:

? Quality of Business Management Schools ranked 13th

? Quality of Education ranked 10th

? Quality of Math & Science Education ranked 4th, preceded only by Singapore, Finland & Belgium.

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Having served as Minister, I was exposed to unique governance challenges influenced by the diverse cultural and political landscapes in Lebanon and the region. Here are some of the important considerations for Lebanon.

1.????? Cultural Diversity: Lebanon is known for its rich cultural diversity with a mix of religious and ethnic communities. Balancing the needs and expectations of various communities in higher education policies can be challenging.

2.????? Political Fragmentation: Lebanon’s political system is characterized by power-sharing among different religious groups. This fragmentation can influence policy decisions, funding allocation, and administrative appointments in higher education.

3.????? Language Dynamics: The country has multiple languages, including Arabic, French, and English. Decisions about the language of instruction and academic materials can be complex and may have cultural implications.

4.????? Regional Instability: Lebanon has faced periods of political instability and regional conflicts. These external factors can impact the governance of higher education institutions, funding availability, and academic collaborations.

The following global comparisons also provide potential differences compared to experiences in other parts of the world.

1.????? Cultural Sensitivity: Governance challenges related to cultural diversity are not unique to Lebanon. Many countries worldwide, particularly those with diverse populations, face the task of creating inclusive higher education environments that respect different cultural backgrounds.

2.????? Political Influence: While Lebanon's political landscape is unique, political influences on higher education governance are widespread globally. This can manifest in issues such as funding allocation, academic freedom, and the selection of university leaders.

3.????? Language Policies: Language considerations in higher education are common globally. Many countries navigate challenges related to the language of instruction, internationalization efforts, and the accessibility of education for non-native speakers.

4.????? Globalization Pressures: Higher education governance is increasingly influenced by globalization trends. Balancing global standards with local needs, fostering international collaborations, and addressing brain drain are challenges faced by various countries.

5.????? Autonomy vs. Regulation: The balance between institutional autonomy and government regulation is a global governance challenge. Striking the right balance to ensure academic freedom while maintaining accountability is a common consideration.

6.????? Technology Integration: The role of technology in higher education governance is a universal challenge. Decisions about digital infrastructure, online learning, and adapting to technological advancements are issues faced globally.

In summary, while Lebanon’s unique cultural and political context presents specific governance challenges for higher education, there are commonalities with global trends. Navigating the delicate balance between cultural sensitivity, political influences, and the evolving landscape of higher education is a shared experience among education leaders worldwide.

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In conclusion, governing colleges and universities is a multifaceted endeavor that demands strategic foresight, compassion, and a deep commitment to the betterment of society through education. Together, we have the power to shape the future, inspire generations, and make a lasting impact on the world.

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Thank you.