Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, Professor Ghassan Aouad, discusses his involvement in developing the Framework for Leading in Higher Education as a member of Advance HE’s Steering Group to create the new framework. He speaks to co-author of the framework, Fiona Lennoxsmith, Lead Consultant for Leadership at Advance HE.
Professor Ghassan Aouad is Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University and a member of Advance HE’s Steering Group to create the Framework for Leading in Higher Education.
Leadership journey
After a degree in civil engineering from Beirut Arab University and working on UNICEF-sponsored building projects, the ongoing civil war prompted Professor Aouad to pursue further education in the UK where he completed a Masters and PhD at Loughborough University.
However, it was at the University of Salford where his academic leadership path took shape. He spent 20 years there, ultimately serving as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the College of Science and Technology. From there, he’s held several senior leadership positions across the Middle East – President of the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait, President of Applied Science University in Bahrain for eight years, and now Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University for the past two years.
Ghassan says, “This journey has exposed me to diverse cultures, values and leadership styles. My connection with Advance HE began in 2003 when I joined what was then the Higher Education Academy. That experience sparked my interest in reflective leadership practice, eventually leading to my roles on both the Leadership and Management Advisory Group and the Framework Steering Group.”
Addressing current challenges in higher education
The framework is particularly timely given the current global context. Ghassan says, “We’re dealing with post-Covid realities, the technological revolution with AI, global security concerns and a new generation of students who have different needs and expectations. Leadership styles need to evolve, and this framework enables leaders to embrace approaches based on empathy and engagement.
“It’s especially valuable because we’re in an era of unprecedented change. The future of universities, learning and students is evolving rapidly. Having a flexible framework that can be adapted to different environments and settings is a significant advantage.”
Relevance of the Framework for Leading in Higher Education in the Middle East
The strength of the framework lies in its adaptability. Ghassan says, “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be contextualised according to different values, cultures and geographical locations. It’s outcome-based and focuses on measuring impact, which is crucial for understanding what you’ve achieved in terms of institutional goals and leadership effectiveness.”
What makes it truly global is that it was developed with input from various nations, incorporating different value systems and emphasising inclusivity. “The framework accounts for regional variations and institutional specifics,” he says, “making it applicable not just in the UK but worldwide. Our region here will benefit immensely from it.”
The most important thing is for people to understand that we are leading in a world which is changing very, very fast. Ghassan says, “The landscape for education is changing on a daily basis. The United Arab Emirates has its history of higher education and scientific research. The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) has played a remarkable role in transforming our institutions. This framework, I think it’s a good addition – not just for us, but for many institutions in the UAE and beyond.”
Implementing the framework at Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University will take an innovative approach to implementation, according to Ghassan. He says, “First, we’ll focus on raising awareness among our colleagues, potentially using AI technology to make the framework more accessible. We’ll identify what’s most relevant for different levels of leadership within the university, from senior leadership to middle managers.
“The framework will also be incorporated into our leadership courses, and we’ll encourage our large community of Fellows, Senior Fellows and Principal Fellows to engage with it. I see tremendous potential for its application across the university.
Professor Aouad’s top tips for engaging with the Framework for Leading in Higher Education
Look at the detail. “We have a high-level diagram which encapsulates almost everything in terms of the vision, the values, the strategy and then the outcomes and the impact on learning and teaching, on research, on community engagement and sustainability.”
Search for the insights you can use to improve leadership style in institutions. “At the end of the day, you want to achieve something good for the institution, and the beauty about this framework is that it is outcome-based, so people can see what’s really essential for development and the way forward.”
Think of pressures as opportunities. “We are leading within a changing environment. Climate change; generative AI and the way it’s transforming education; mental health and wellbeing – these challenges require a framework which can help us lead the proper way.”
Watch Professor Aouad discussing the Framework for Leading in Higher Education with Fiona Lennoxsmith, Lead Consultant for Leadership at Advance HE.
