The University Advisory Board (UAB) engaged with senior management at LUMS from January 29 to February 1, 2020, for extensive discussions regarding the current progress as well as the strategic priorities of the University. The visit began with a tour of the campus which included exploring the newly setup Studio, LUMS Learning Institute and National Incubation Centre. It was led by representatives of the Student Council.
Members of the Management Committee, Vice Chancellor, Deans and Centre Directors hosted various sessions. Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad welcomed the Board by stating, “For several years, Advisory Boards have played a critical role guiding each of the Schools at LUMS. Since January 2019, the University Advisory Board has similarly guided LUMS to forge new pathways in realising a vision that will serve generations for decades to come. We are really excited to learn from your experience and from your insightful perspectives.”
The four-day visit included several productive discussions, including a no-borders agenda, updates on the various changes that have taken place, and new initiatives planned for the upcoming year. The Board was apprised on the University’s appointment of two Deans and the continued search for other schools as well as Provost.
During their time at LUMS, each Board Member met with a group of students to discuss campus life and academic progression. In addition the UAB members interacted with the School of Science and Engineering Advisory Board as the visits coincided.
A faculty-moderated panel was held on the ‘Grand Challenges of South Asia.’ The discussion was led by Dr. Muhammad Abubakr, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Director, Centre for Water Informatics and Technology at LUMS.
Dr. Ali Cheema, Associate Professor of Economics and Director, Mahbub ul Haq Research Centre, Dr. Naveed Arshad, Associate Professor Computer Science and Director, National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing and Dr. Khurrum Afridi, Associate Professor, Cornell University also took part on the panel discussion.
The UAB members hold distinguished positions and bring a variety of perspectives. The Board chaired by Ms. Leah Rosovsky (Harvard Business School) and included, Dr. Nancy J. Adler (McGill University), Dr. Philip Altbach (Babson College), Dr. Khalid Aziz (Stanford University), Dr. David Bloom (Harvard University), Prof. Denise Chalmers (University of Western Australia), Dr. Mehmood Khan (CEO, Life Biosciences Inc.), Dr. Greg Moran (Academics Without Borders, Canada), Dr. Maria Yudkevich (Higher School of Economics), Prof. Nicholas A. Robinson (Pace University) and Dr. David Wilkinson (McMaster University).
The visit concluded with a tour of Lahore Biennale 2020. Starting at the Walled City, the guests enjoyed various art exhibitions placed throughout Lahore. The Lahore Biennale brings together artists from within Pakistan and different corners of the globe to understand the emergence of contemporary art that deals with pertinent issues of the century.
