Because leadership at a university rarely follows a single model, leaders can face very different pressures while sharing the same responsibility of guiding their teams with confidence. LAU’s Contemporary Approach to Leadership Skillset Program, offered by the Human Resources Department, addresses that reality by pairing current leadership concepts with hands-on practice.

To date, 84 participants, including Assistant Vice Presidents (AVPs), directors, and managers, have completed the program across five cohorts. An additional 57 participants are scheduled to join three upcoming cohorts by the end of 2026, bringing the program’s total planned reach to 141 staff members.

Each cohort participates in 16 hours of instructor-led training covering leadership principles, strategic planning, team formation, effective delegation, and public speaking. The sessions emphasize practical application through discussion, reflection, and the exchange of experiences and perspectives.

Rather than viewing leadership as tied solely to a title or position, the program approaches it as a set of capabilities that can be strengthened and refined over time. By bringing together leaders from different levels and functions, the cohort-based format promotes cross-level learning and peer exchange, providing broader perspectives on leadership within the university context.

Georges Hamouche, assistant vice president for Facilities Management, highlighted the program’s strong focus on practical leadership principles and its effectiveness in translating complex concepts into clear, relevant, and applicable learning. He also highlighted the engaging, interactive nature of the sessions, which made the training enjoyable and highly impactful while equipping participants with valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen their leadership skills.

George Obeid, director of the LAU Academy of Continuing Education (ACE), highlighted the program’s significant impact, noting that it provided “practical insights that could be immediately applied in leadership roles.” He also emphasized that the program creates a meaningful opportunity for the university community to meet, learn, and grow together.

Khalil Feghali, senior director of Campus Procurement on the Beirut campus, likewise praised the program, describing it as “a highly insightful and practical leadership experience,” and highlighting the coordination and support provided by the HR team.

Building on the program’s success, additional leadership development initiatives are planned for 2027 to further strengthen leadership capabilities and support the university’s succession planning efforts by preparing staff for future leadership roles and increased responsibilities.