WELCOMING OUR NEXT PRESIDENT
اضغط هنا لقراءة هذه الرسالة باللغة العربية
I am delighted to share the good news that, on February 16, 2013, the Executive Committee of the KAUST Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Jean-Lou Chameau as the next President of our University. Dr. Chameau is currently the President of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Dr. Chameau is an outstanding scholar who brings with him broad and deep academic expertise, global visibility, and widely-recognized leadership qualities. I have had the privilege and joy of working with Jean-Lou on partnership projects since my days at the National University of Singapore. I have observed first-hand his broad understanding and deep insights in research and education at top universities in North America and further afield.
More importantly, I have seen his genuine affection for his faculty and students as well as his sincere efforts to build community at Caltech. I cannot think of anyone better prepared to take up the baton to lead KAUST in its journey to build a world-renowned research university with global reach and impact.
A native of France, Dr. Chameau received his undergraduate education at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers in France. He earned a PhD in civil engineering at Stanford University. Prior to joining Caltech, he was at Georgia Tech, serving as Dean of its College of Engineering and later as Provost.
Since becoming Caltech President in September 2006, Dr. Chameau has actively promoted a multidisciplinary approach to research and education and encouraged the development of programs in areas of societal impact, including energy, medical science, and the environment. He is credited with improving students’ educational experiences, increasing the diversity of the community, and advancing entrepreneurial and international opportunities for faculty and students.
I am confident that our entire KAUST community, including our alumni, will greet the news of this appointment with great pride and enthusiasm. Dr. Chameau and his spouse, Dr. Carol Carmichael, will be visiting our campus on February 23 and 24. I know you will join Lily and me in warmly welcoming them to our community by the Red Sea.
Choon Fong Shih
President
