Dear members of the Ì©¹ú²ÊƱCommunity,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am proud to announce that today, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri was elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. Dr. Khuri joins an esteemed group of leaders recognized for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, policy, and leadership in the academic sphere.
“I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB," says Dr. Khuri. “The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by among others, John Adams, James ​Bowdoin, and John Hancock. Its first elected class included George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. This company is humbling. And my mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions."
Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, the 16th president of Ì©¹ú²ÊƱ, has been a transformative leader since assuming office in 2015. Under his guidance, Ì©¹ú²ÊƱhas navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of Ì©¹ú²ÊƱOnline, and the launch of Ì©¹ú²ÊƱMediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon. Dr. Khuri's leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing AUB's global reputation, reflected in its dramatic rise in international rankings.
Since 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has honored excellence and convened leaders from across disciplines and divides to examine new ideas, address issues of importance, and work together “to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people."
Dr. Khuri's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and the betterment of society through education and research.
“These new members' accomplis​hments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding," said Academy President Laurie L. Patton. “We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good."
Please join me in offering our sincere congratulations to President Khuri.​
Abdo G. Kadifa
Chair
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