In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. Nuhad Saliby Akl

January 31, 2025

The School of Arts and Sciences (SoAS) mourns the loss of one of its beloved educators, respected academicians and cherished members of the LAU family, Dr. Nuhad Saliby Akl, who passed away at the age of 87 on August 23, 2024.

Having dedicated over four decades of her life to the pursuit of knowledge and teaching, Dr. Akl’s contributions to the university were immeasurable in the impact they have left on her students, colleagues and the academic community as a whole.

Hailing from Souk el-Gharb, a town in Mount Lebanon, Dr. Akl earned her BS in Chemistry from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1958, followed by an MS in Chemistry in 1968. She then went on to earn a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the same university in 1971.

Her career at LAU—then the Beirut College for Women (BCW)—began in 1966, when she joined as a part-time assistant instructor. Over the years, she advanced through the ranks, becoming a full-time professor of chemistry and holding several significant administrative positions between 1971 and 1999.

Characterized by a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, Dr. Akl’s leadership was particularly notable during her tenure as SoAS dean, a position she held from 1999 until she retired in 2003.

Dr. Akl remained a guiding presence at the university until her final years; she continued serving as a retired faculty member from 2002 to 2003, while simultaneously fulfilling her duties as dean through her official retirement in 2007.

In the words of LAU Provost George E. Nasr, Dr. Akl’s “leadership and commitment profoundly shaped the university, particularly in her role as dean, where she played an instrumental part in fostering the academic excellence we hold dear today.”

SoAS Dean Haidar Harmanani reflected on his experience with Dr. Akl, saying, “she was a remarkable leader, embodying a deep passion for teaching, discovery and integrity. During the early and challenging times, she guided the school with unwavering dedication, resilience and vision, ensuring its stability.”

Beyond her leadership, he added, Dr. Akl was a friend whose support, wisdom and encouragement left a lasting impact on his personal and professional journey. “I am forever grateful for the invaluable lessons she shared and the legacy of excellence she instilled in all of us,” he said.

Dr. Akl’s dedication to supporting her students was also evident in the lives she touched. LAU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) Lead Program Manager Karmen Baroudy and one of Dr. Akl’s former students shared how the guidance she received was central to helping her navigate the pressures of academia. “She will be remembered not only for her impressive academic achievements but also for the warmth, wisdom and integrity she brought to every aspect of our lives,” she said.

According to SoAS Professor and Assistant Dean Sami Baroudi, his late aunt, Maha Baroudi, was a longtime friend of Dr. Akl’s and accompanied her throughout her formative years at university.

Mrs. Baroudi recalled, albeit with some lightheartedness, that Dr. Akl was particularly vigilant in ensuring that no classmate was able to cheat during exams.

“This early attention to academic integrity highlights her longstanding commitment to maintaining high standards of scholarship throughout her career,” said Dr. Baroudi.

One of her early interactions with SoAS Professor and Dean of the School of Nursing Costantine Daher, for example, took place in 1991 when Dr. Akl was serving as chairperson of the Department of Natural Sciences at BUC’s newly established Byblos campus. He was a young biology instructor then, who had just joined the university and was tasked with setting up and leading the biology and chemistry labs. “It was Dr. Akl’s visionary leadership that provided the guidance and support necessary for the successful establishment of these labs,” he noted, emphasizing how her ability to recognize potential was remarkable.

“I can see you growing to become a leader in this institution,” she had said to Dr. Daher, words that proved to be “prophetic”—as he called it, given that he went on to earn a PhD and serve in various leadership roles, including his current roles.