Lebanese American University (LAU) Company Profile

Background

Established in 1924, the Lebanese American University (LAU) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher education with campuses in Beirut and Byblos, Lebanon, and a degree-granting campus in New York City. LAU is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university offers 34 bachelor's degree programs, 26 master's degree programs, and professional degrees in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and medicine (M.D.).

Key Strategic Focus

LAU is committed to providing a comprehensive American-style education that fosters critical thinking, leadership, and innovation. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research across its seven schools:

School of Arts and Sciences

School of Architecture and Design

Adnan Kassar School of Business

School of Engineering

Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine

Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing

School of Pharmacy

LAU's strategic objectives include expanding its research capabilities, enhancing global partnerships, and integrating advanced technologies into its curricula to prepare students for the evolving demands of the global workforce.

Financials and Funding

As of 2024, LAU's endowment stands at approximately $706.7 million, reflecting significant growth from $533.7 million in 2020. The university's annual revenue reached $750 million as of December 2024. These financial resources support academic programs, research initiatives, infrastructure development, and scholarships, ensuring the institution's sustainability and growth.

Pipeline Development

LAU continually develops and enhances its academic offerings to meet emerging educational and industry needs. Recent initiatives include the introduction of online degree programs registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), expanding access to quality education beyond traditional campus boundaries. The university also emphasizes interdisciplinary research, particularly in fields such as engineering, computer science, and business, aligning with global trends and market demands.

Technological Platform and Innovation

LAU integrates advanced technologies into its educational and administrative operations. The university employs a range of technological tools and platforms, including:

AutoCAD: Utilized in architecture and design programs for drafting and modeling.

SAP: Employed for enterprise resource planning and management.

Oracle E-Business Suite: Supports various administrative functions.

Python and Linux: Incorporated into computer science curricula to enhance programming and system administration skills.

Google Tag Manager and Adobe Creative Suite: Used for digital marketing and design purposes.

These technologies facilitate a modern learning environment and efficient institutional management.

Leadership Team

LAU's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the university's mission:

President: Chaouki Abdallah

Appointed in June 2024, Dr. Abdallah brings extensive experience from his previous role as Executive Vice President for Research at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Provost: George Nasr

Oversees academic affairs, ensuring the quality and integrity of the university's educational programs.

Dean of the Adnan Kassar School of Business: Dr. Wassim Shahin

Leads the business school, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Leadership Changes

In June 2024, Dr. Chaouki Abdallah succeeded Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra as President of LAU. Dr. Abdallah's appointment marks a new chapter in the university's leadership, bringing fresh perspectives to its strategic direction.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Lebanon's higher education sector is characterized by a mix of private and public institutions offering diverse programs. The market is competitive, with universities striving to attract both local and international students by enhancing academic offerings, research capabilities, and global partnerships.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Lebanese higher education landscape include:

American University of Beirut (AUB): Established in 1866, AUB is a private, non-sectarian university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It has a strong reputation for research and academic excellence.

Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ): Founded in 1875 by French Jesuit missionaries, USJ offers programs in various disciplines and is known for its Faculty of Law and university hospital, Hôtel-Dieu de France.

Beirut Arab University (BAU): Established in 1960, BAU offers programs across multiple faculties and has attained international institutional accreditation from the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA).