FARES HOWARI
ABOUT
ABOUT
Dr. Fares Howari is a distinguished environmental scientist, engineer, and educational administrator whose expertise and leadership have made a profound impact in his field. Currently serving as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fort Valley State University, Dr. Howari oversees the educational journey of nearly 1,700 students pursuing seventeen diverse majors leading to a bachelor's degree. His exceptional organizational and financial acumen enables him to guide the college effectively, ensuring its success both academically and operationally. In his capacity as Dean, Dr. Howari prioritizes the support and growth of faculty and staff, actively fosters community relationships, and serves as a passionate advocate for the college within the university and beyond. His unwavering dedication to education and his commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of his work.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Howari served as the Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences (CNHS) at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates for an illustrious period of eight years. His career journey began with a focus on the technical intricacies of soil, water, geoscience, and the environment, eventually leading him to leadership positions where he coordinated major research programs. Driven by a passion for environmental sciences, he provided valuable consultancy services on a broad range of topics, with particular emphasis on the social and policy aspects of natural resource management. With over 25 years of experience in managing diverse research and education projects, Dr. Howari has contributed significantly to the scientific community, publishing over 180 research studies, including two seminal books. His expertise has been sought after by leading universities in the United States and the Middle East, where he successfully delivered numerous research projects to completion. One notable achievement in his recent research endeavors is the collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute of Germany on the groundbreaking dust storms research cluster project, a notable campaign with a budget of 2 million Euros. This collaborative effort has enabled pioneering field measurements across the Arabian Basin during the summer, utilizing a state-of-the-art research vessel equipped with comprehensive instrumentation to characterize atmospheric chemistry and aerosol processes simultaneously.
Dr. Howari's exemplary contributions and profound impact on his field have garnered him esteemed recognition and prestigious awards from renowned institutions and influential figures. Notably, the UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Bureau of Economic Geology (Texas), and Author Achievement Award have all bestowed accolades upon him in acknowledgment of his expertise and achievements. In 2019, he was honored with the esteemed Distinguished Yarmouk University Alumni Award, presented by HE Dr. Abdullah Ensour, former Prime Minister of Jordan, in 2020. Dr. Howari's outstanding work has also been appreciated by various organizations, including the Ministry of Energy, Federal Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Education, Dubai Police, Think Science, the Directorate of Education of RAK, and Zayed University, which have all recognized his contributions through Appreciation Awards and Merit Awards. Furthermore, he received the Alleem Business Congress Academic Leadership Award, a prestigious recognition from His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the UAE University, for his active role in youth care and scholarly activities. His excellence in research has also been acknowledged with the Outstanding Research Award from Doha Municipality Qatar, among other notable honors.
In addition to his remarkable research accomplishments, Dr. Howari possesses extensive experience in designing, accrediting, and implementing academic programs at various levels, from undergraduate to graduate and master's degrees. He has played a pivotal role in leading the accreditation and reaccreditation processes of numerous programs, collaborating with national and international accreditation bodies such as CAA, WASC, SACSCOC, and the Middle States Commission for Higher Education. His commitment to teaching and learning is equally commendable. Dr. Howari actively contributes to academic committees and holds positions of academic leadership, exemplifying his dedication to fostering a culture of shared governance among faculty and students. As the Chair of the steering committee for The 50 Years Plan of Zayed University, he has played a vital role in shaping the institution's long-term vision. Furthermore, Dr. Howari has spearheaded research portfolios for re-licensure through the Ministry of Education's Commission for Academic Development, further establishing his expertise and commitment to advancing research excellence.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Howari has been instrumental in establishing new initiatives that propel academic growth and innovation. He has been instrumental in launching initiatives such as the Math Café, which provides a dynamic space for students to engage in collaborative mathematical exploration. Dr. Howari has also been involved in developing a faculty workload model that promotes efficiency and productivity, ensuring that resources are optimally allocated. Additionally, he has been instrumental in renovating research infrastructure to facilitate cutting-edge scientific investigations, including the establishment of the Hydroponic, Aeroponic, Hyperspectral and Remote Sensing, and Coral Propagation laboratories. These initiatives have not only enhanced research capabilities but have also had a profound impact on student recruitment, retention, and overall academic performance.
In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Howari brings valuable expertise in management, strategic planning, and creative leadership. His experience as an international environmental volunteer in various regions, including Jordan, the US-Mexico border region, and the UAE, has further broadened his perspective and strengthened his ability to address global challenges. He has actively contributed to significant conferences and served in key positions, such as the General Secretary of the 6th International Conference of the Geology of the Middle East held in Al Ain. Dr. Howari's involvement as a board member of the Gulf Seismic Forum in Abu Dhabi, and his coordination of Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy (CIEEP)’s 2008 Conference on Water Policy and Associated Technological Challenges in Arid Regions in Kuwait, highlight his commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing crucial environmental issues.
Furthermore, Dr. Howari's contributions extend to the international stage, as evidenced by his participation in the US-Arab Economic Forum held in Washington, D.C. In 2008, he organized and chaired the featured plenary session "Water Challenges and Opportunities in the Middle East," showcasing his ability to foster dialogue and cooperation between nations. In 2016, Dr. Howari joined the core team at the Geneva Graduate School of Governance as the Director of environmental sciences, risk assessment, and disaster management programs. This appointment underscores his expertise in environmental and energy issues, encompassing both technical and policy dimensions, as well as his understanding of the human and social aspects associated with these challenges.
Dr. Fares Howari's career trajectory, marked by his outstanding research contributions, educational leadership, and commitment to fostering innovation, exemplifies his profound impact on the fields of environmental science, engineering, and education. His unwavering dedication, combined with his ability to bridge interdisciplinary boundaries, continues to shape the academic landscape and drive positive change in addressing pressing global issues.
Poetry
Professor Howari is a skilled writer who creates poems in both Arabic and English, skillfully blending the beauty of language with profound themes. His poetic works traverse a diverse range of subjects, including the marvels of nature, the significance of environmental awareness, the echoes of history, the depths of sincerity and sacrifice, the ethical dimensions that shape our choices, the intricacies of the human condition, the essence of freedom and diversity, and the guiding principles of morality and human values. His poems also venture into the realm of personal emotions, taking readers on an evocative and thought-provoking journey.
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