Khalifa University of Science, Research and Technology (KUSTAR) has announced the appointment of Professor Miroslaw Skibniewski as its founding Dean of Engineering, effective as of August 1st, 2010.
Prof. Miroslaw Skibniewski joins KUSTAR from his current post as the A. James Clark Endowed Chair Professor of Construction Engineering and Project Management at the University of Maryland's Department of Civil Engineering in College Park, USA. Prior to this role, he worked for 20 years as a professor and senior administrator of Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. He received his Master of Engineering degree from Warsaw University of Technology and his Master of Science and PhD degrees from Carnegie Mellon University.
In addition to his principal role, Professor Skibniewski also held a number of administrative positions during his two decades at Purdue University, including Director of International Research and Interim Dean of International Programs, as well as Assistant Provost and Assistant Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.
As a researcher and educator, Prof. Skibniewski currently specializes in e-commerce and sustainable technology applications for engineering project management. An American national, he has held a number of distinguished positions such as Honorary and Visiting Chair Professor and Senior Research Scientist, as well as serving on a number of prestigious academic boards for a number of top universities in the USA, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore. He has received coveted awards from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the American Society of Civil Engineers for his work in the civil and construction engineering field, as well as authoring or contributing to more than two hundred scholarly publications. He serves as Editor-in-Chief for 'Automation in Construction', a top ranking international research journal in his academic specialty.
The appointment of Prof. Skibniewski comes shortly after Professor Tod A. Laursen from Duke University in the USA was confirmed as the new President of KUSTAR, reflecting the University's bold vision and commitment to management excellence.
Prof. Miroslaw Skibniewski brings to KUSTAR a wealth of experience that is sure to add more value to the academic capability of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of KUSTAR, Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Interim President said: "KUSTAR is very fortunate to have attracted such a highly regarded academic professional such as Prof. Miroslaw Skibniewski. He brings with him a number of outstanding academic achievements and many years of professional industry experience, which are sure to leave a positive impact on the students and academic staff alike. We eagerly look forward to working together, continuing to mould accomplished engineering students and preparing them for the competitive job market that awaits them.
"KUSTAR will continue to provide the finest programmes in Science and Technology in the UAE and the region. As we continue to strive for excellence, we'll ensure that we employ the best academic minds available so as to help foster the growth and development of young engineers in the UAE", he concluded.
Prof. Miroslaw Skibniewski, said: "My new role at KUSTAR is an exciting opportunity which will see me support the promotion of engineering as a academic and career choice within local educational and industry circles. It is indeed an honour and privilege to join the most prestigious technical institution in the UAE and indeed the region. I am looking forward to playing an active role in supporting the growth of KUSTAR and further raising its profile."
Prof. Skibniewski holds a certificate from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Management Programme.
