Prof. Dr. Essam Farhat, the esteemed President of the University of Minia, has initiated the third session dedicated to preparing faculty members aspiring to excel as college deans. This event, expertly organized by the University's Faculty Development Center, signifies the continuation of a successful series held in June and July.
The primary aim of this comprehensive program is to empower participants with advanced knowledge and skills essential for effective university leadership. Topics covered include strategic planning, crisis management, problem-solving, decision-making competencies, as well as financial, administrative, and legal acumen crucial for assuming leadership positions within academic institutions.
The distinguished presence of Dr. Ahmed Shoukry Zahran, Director of the Project Management Unit for Development and the University's Quality Assurance and Accreditation Canter, alongside Dr. Abdel Salam Anwar, the Executive Director of the Faculty Development Canter, further emphasized the significance of this initiative.
Prof. Dr. Essam Farhat underscored the session's objective of nurturing leadership prowess capable of executing comprehensive strategies for development and modernization. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of understanding the evolving role of university leadership within the context of fourth-generation universities. The session also aims to facilitate the exchange of innovative perspectives and explore cutting-edge leadership methodologies to effectively navigate future challenges and spearhead transformative change.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Faculty Development Center in enhancing the cognitive and training aspects critical for effective university leadership, Dr. Farhat outlined the University's dual strategic focus on developing both human capital and infrastructure. This institutional roadmap, coupled with clear performance evaluation and monitoring standards, is geared towards elevating operational efficiency and sustainability, propelling the University towards a smart, green future characterized by interactive learning environments.
Furthermore, Prof. Farhat emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among the University's colleges to enhance its competitive edge within the realm of higher education, positioning universities as crucibles of humanitarian thought and pivotal agents in nurturing society's most vital resource—the human capital. He reaffirmed that universities' autonomy, guaranteed by law, is instrumental in aligning higher education with the evolving needs of society.
Prof. Farhat also cautioned against conflating strategic management with technical operations, elucidating their distinct roles in goal-setting, resource management, and performance enhancement.
In conclusion, the University President outlined the University's intrinsic assets as a top developmental priority, emphasizing the strategic importance of attracting a diverse student body as a soft power for Egypt. This commitment to providing an enriching educational and cultural environment, coupled with plans to expand distinguished programs within the colleges, underscores the University's dedication to fostering integration, bridging specialization divides, and empowering students to acquire new skills and experiences.