About Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra
Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra assumed the presidency in 2004 with the ambitious goal of transforming LAU into a fully comprehensive institution of higher learning, a university of the 21st century underpinned by innovation, technology, shared governance and ethics.
Its greater purpose, he envisioned, would be to cultivate well-rounded civic-minded individuals invested in the welfare and betterment of society – a guiding principle that best defines his presidency.
Having spent 24 years as vice president of two universities in North America, Dr. Jabbra knew that his vision, lofty as it may seem, could be realized with a solid strategy. He set out to work with the LAU family to establish a culture of strategic planning and collaborative management that would sustain continued improvement – one that ensured the completion of two major strategic plans with a third underway.
And so began LAU’s exponential growth – academic, physical and financial – that raised it to a global level, making it a powerhouse in Lebanon, and one of the leading universities in the region. Accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (now NECHE) institution-wide paved the way for school-specific accreditations. The acceleration of previously planned programs and launch of new schools was a hallmark of his era. At breakneck speed, he oversaw the inauguration of the Gilbert & Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine and the Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing, as well as the expansion of the newly-named Adnan Kassar School of Business.
Carefully planned additional land purchases in both Beirut and Byblos led to an increase in the size of the campuses, the launch of the Executive Center@Solidere, and the acquisition of two new hospitals: LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital and LAU Medical Center-St John’s Hospital. For the newly built Byblos campus, an infrastructure achievement was realized not just on campus, but also by significantly expediting access to the campus from the coast.
With the establishment of the LAU New York Headquarters and Academic Center, the university’s footprint extended beyond campus walls and geographical borders.
Firm in his belief that financial means should not stand in the way of any deserving student’s right to a university education, Dr. Jabbra redoubled all efforts toward increasing Financial Aid and Scholarships, and in a feat unprecedented in LAU’s history, $170.5 million was raised through the fundraising campaigns that sustained the First and Second Strategic Plans.
Dr. Jabbra’s tenure may be studded with accomplishments, but it also had to contend with major hurdles brought about by regional and national crises. And perhaps it was in these instances that he wielded unique influence, inspiring others with his sheer determination, sincerity and fighting spirit. Whatever the challenge, he was set on surmounting it, with the best interests of the university, faculty, staff, students, alumni and ultimately the country at heart.
His presidency will be remembered as one of Servant Leadership par excellence.