Twenty-eight years ago, in September 1988, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) welcomed its first class of students. From the very beginning, FAFS, where I have been privileged to study and work for many years, strongly encouraged research since the Faculty’s vision to be a highly reputable unit could only be achieved through our active engagement in research and our international visibility.

Over the years, the Faculty has maintained its leadership role in the quest for knowledge through a superior standard of quality and academic excellence in agriculture, nutrition and agri-food programs, all aiming at enhancing the goals of human development.

Nowadays, the Faculty is witnessing continuous achievements: opening the Doctoral School, offering the first Master in Enology in the region, launching the Veterinary Program, achieving American Accreditation and hosting International conferences, first in the MENA Region.

Yes, we have experienced tremendous growth, and we continue to be challenged to meet the needs that this growth demands by providing not only knowledge and vision for students but most importantly ethics and values. Thus, our Faculty prepares graduates to work in dignity and to contribute to building an ethical world.

In alignment with USEK mission and vision, we are also striving to be a leader and pioneer faculty practicing student-centered teaching and learning. Along the way, the FAFS’ team has demonstrated that entrepreneurship is not something that belongs to a talented few, but can, in fact, be taught.

Here, I wish to express my gratitude to the administrative staff, instructors, faculty members, heads of departments and the associate dean who provided exceptional support and seamless work for the prospering of our dear faculty.

Even though, I always said, quoting Gandhi, “It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity”, but I am now confident that we are achieving together, both quality and quantity.

With Best regards,

Lara Hanna-Wakim.