Western Kentucky University has announced that Dr. Fadi Sibai will serve as the next director of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, effective August 10.

Sibai brings extensive academic and industry experience to the Bowling Green institution. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, respectively, and completed his Ph.D. in the same field at Texas A&M.

Throughout his career, Sibai has held leadership roles including dean and associate dean positions at universities in the United States and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as acting dean of the School of Engineering at American International University in Al Jahra, Kuwait. He has taught at San Jose State University, the University of California Santa Cruz Extension, and the University of Akron, among other institutions.

The incoming director has authored or co-authored more than 250 publications and technical reports and has mentored graduate and undergraduate researchers. His research interests include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer networks, and hardware acceleration. Sibai also holds certifications as a Project Management Professional and Certified Information Systems Security Professional.

Prior to academia, Sibai worked with Intel Corporation and Saudi Aramco, and established a high-performance computing research center at United Arab Emirates University. He is a member of Eta Kappa Nu, the honors society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

"Engineering and Applied Science is about problem-solving to improve the world," Sibai said in a statement. "As the world evolves, complex problems emerge requiring talented engineers, technicians, and scientists to cooperate and innovate solutions."

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is part of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, architectural and manufacturing sciences, and computer sciences. The school emphasizes project-based learning and maintains partnerships with industry leaders across the region.

"Dr. Sibai brings considerable experience in leadership, innovation, industry, and education that I believe will help strengthen our SEAS programs and benefit our talented SEAS faculty, staff, and students," said Dr. David Brown, dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering.