Outstanding contributions earn AUS professor the Roderick French Distinguished Service Award

American University of Sharjah (AUS) announces the recipient of the esteemed Roderick French Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Jamal A. Abdalla, Professor of Civil Engineering. This prestigious accolade reflects AUS' unwavering commitment to celebrating and commending the significant impact of its distinguished faculty members on the university’s mission.

Dr. Abdalla expressed his gratitude, stating: "The Roderick French Distinguished Service Award is a tremendous honor and a humbling recognition of my longstanding commitment to serving AUS. I am grateful to the Faculty Senate for this prestigious acknowledgment."

Named after the founding Chancellor of AUS, Dr. Roderick French, the Roderick French Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member by the AUS Faculty Senate. It symbolizes the utmost appreciation and respect for outstanding service within the university community and pays tribute to Dr. French’s pivotal role in establishing AUS as a renowned institution of higher learning in the region.

"I am deeply grateful to the Senate Executive Council for bestowing their trust upon me and acknowledging my service achievements by selecting me as the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Roderick French Distinguished Service Award. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my esteemed colleagues, faculty members and administrators, with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating on various committees at different levels. Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in the realization of my service accomplishments at AUS," Dr. Abdalla exclaimed. 

Dr. Abdalla's selection for this prestigious award was a testament to his remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to service. Since joining AUS in Fall 2000, he has actively participated in numerous service activities at all levels of the university, ranging from departmental to university-wide committees. Dr. Abdalla’s involvement has been instrumental in shaping the academic and administrative landscape of AUS.

During his nine-year tenure as Head of the AUS Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Abdalla exhibited exceptional leadership, guiding the department through four successful accreditation visits. Additionally, he served as the Director of the Graduate Programs of the College of Engineering, leading the accreditation and licensing of five master of science degree programs. His expertise and dedication have significantly contributed to the growth and excellence of AUS' engineering programs.

Beyond his invaluable contributions to AUS, Dr. Abdalla has been actively engaged in service to the UAE community. His involvement in prestigious committees such as the Technical Committee of Abu Dhabi Seismic Hazard Assessment and the Science and Technology Advisory Committee of the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in the region.

Dr. Abdalla emphasized the importance of community engagement and giving back, stating: "At AUS, we believe in the power of community engagement and the importance of giving back. I am honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to the UAE community through various service activities and initiatives."

At the professional level, Dr. Abdalla's contributions have extended to various engineering societies. His esteemed memberships and leadership roles in organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute have showcased his dedication to the advancement of the field. Dr. Abdalla's extensive editorial work, including serving as an Associate Editor for the ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, demonstrates his commitment to fostering scholarly research.

Reflecting on his professional service, Dr. Abdalla remarked: "Professional service has always been a cornerstone of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the engineering profession. It is through collaboration and sharing of knowledge that we can drive innovation and create a positive impact."

He added: "I am proud to have played a role in the growth and success of AUS. Winning this prestigious award is a reminder of the importance of service and the transformative power it holds."

To learn more about the AUS College of Engineering and its renowned faculty, please visit www.aus.edu/cen.