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Printer-Friendly ModeElfakhani appointed Harvey Wickes Chair of Int'l Studies
October 1, 2007 —
Within two months, Said Elfakhani will be on his way with his family to Michigan, more specifically to SVSU. By January 2008, he will start his position as the new Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Chair of International Studies. Elfakhani is bringing more than his work to SVSU; he is bringing new ideas and experiences.
"Elfakhani comes with fresh ideas," explained Dean of the College of Business and Management Marwan Wafa. "The University and surrounding community will benefit from his expertise."
Elfakhani was hired into the position after an international search was conducted. Applications came in from all over the country and the world including Canada and Australia. Many of the applicants fit the criteria for the position, but Elfakhani stood out among them all.
"We had expectations and he had a diverse background," Wafa said. "His global experience, active research and publications showed that he was the best applicant. He is a nice guy and very smart which is also important."
Elfakhani was born in Lebanon and is now a Canadian citizen. He lived in Canada for 17 years where he taught before returning to Lebanon as an assistant dean in Beirut. Elfakhani resided in Beirut for the next eight years, and also lived for some time in Saudi Arabia.
Leaving many of his relatives in Lebanon, he later moved to the United States. Most recently, Elfakhani worked in Dallas as a visiting scholar at the University of Texas at Dallas.
The position at SVSU was brought to Elfakhani by some friends. After looking into it and seeing what the new position would bring, he knew it was for him. His experiences in entrepreneurship and his strong background in finance and international business would help him a great deal in being successful in the position.
"I like Michigan and being in small areas. I also knew the requirements of the job would bring a challenge," Elfakhani explained. "This new challenge would be nice to add to my career."
Elfakhani's new position will require him to promote research among faculty at SVSU. He will also work with the business community to bring it and the University closer together. Elfakhani will also work on the introduction of curricular concepts to the College of Business and Management program.
The work will bring Elfakhani even more experiences and opportunities which he hopes to benefit from.
"I hope to succeed and excel in my new position," Elfakhani said. "I like to beat new challenges and they will be good memories."