Dubai: The University of Wollongong in Dubai prides itself on its multicultural student body and so too does its recently appointed President, Professor Gassan Aouad who said: “I am originally Lebanese, have lived, studied and worked in the UK for over two decades and now work for an Australian university in the UAE that has students from 95 countries and staff from 38 — it doesn’t get more multicultural than that!”
What makes you passionate about your subject of study?
My answer would be more about teaching in general and the opportunities to interact with students. To see them flourishing as individuals and as professionals and to know that this development is happening through innovative and collaborative teaching methods.
What is your favourite class to teach and why?
Definitely, the research methodology class. Teaching undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students research methodologies to help them develop research skills is a truly rewarding teaching experience.
What has been your favourite interaction with students?
The happiness and joy that I saw on the faces of the 22 PhD students as they completed their studies under my supervision during my time at the University of Salford in the UK. My happiness and sense of achievement was no less than theirs!
Who inspired you?
From a personal perspective, my parents, they had very limited access to education yet they worked hard to provide me with the best opportunities. Their inspirational influence truly shaped my life and career. From a professional perspective, Professor Peter Brandon, an ex-boss from Salford and a close friend who taught me how to lead with a human touch.
What book should everyone read and why?
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s [Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] book ‘My Vision — Challenges in the Race for Excellence’. I read it while I was still in the UK and was impressed by the vision of a true leader.
What did you want to be when you were five?
I just wanted to be a happy kid, playing with my friends in the prairies in my village in Lebanon!
What areas of community service are you involved in?
I did a substantial amount of charity work for various organisations like BBC Children in Need, Cancer Research, while I was working in the UK. I would like to do the same in the UAE and support various charities.
What are your hobbies?
Playing volleyball, reading and travelling. I like reading biographies of people who have made a difference in this world. Currently, I am reading Tony Blair’s biography which is fascinating.
