Business expert to spearhead university expansion throughout metro area

Wayne State University has appointed Ahmad Ezzeddine as the associate vice president for educational outreach to lead the university’s academic and corporate educational outreach programs.

Ezzeddine

In this newly created position, Ezzeddine will oversee the university’s off-campus programs, including six extension centers around the Metro Detroit area, and lead the strategic expansion of the university educational outreach initiatives. Of significant note, Ezzeddine will focus on opportunities to serve the educational needs of Macomb County. Additionally, increased attention will be given to the development of online programs and the implementation of innovative and flexible degree and non-degree programs offered in corporate and other organizational settings.

“A major provision within the university’s new strategic plan is to expand our presence beyond campus boundaries,” said Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid. “Ahmad is equipped to direct this effort as Wayne State moves swiftly and deliberately to provide educational options that will promote Wayne State’s visibility as an international, national and local presence.”

Prior to this appointment, Ezzeddine served as the assistant dean for executive and professional development in the School of Business Administration. Under his leadership, the Professional Development Division experienced record activities and growth, surpassing levels from its entire 15-year history and becoming a self-funded profitable operation. He has extensive experience in business development, change management and strategic planning, and has consulted with a diverse list of corporate clients that include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, UAW-Ford, Wayne County and the City of Detroit.

“This position will allow us to focus the university’s efforts and leverage our teaching, research and service expertise in order to serve the changing needs of our constituents in the community, particularly students and employers,” said Nancy Barrett, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Ahmad’s background and experience in implementing executive and professional education programs and his strong ties with the community will be a great asset for us as he takes on this assignment,” she added.

Ezzeddine concurred by noting that his role actively reinforces Wayne State’s mission to provide access to higher education beyond the main campus and the traditional programs and classroom. “Wayne State’s outreach activities, whether in Macomb, Detroit, online, or overseas, demonstrate our commitment to students throughout the metro Detroit area and beyond,” he said. “I am excited about the rich opportunities to expand our world renowned educational programs and services to the widest possible audience.”

Ezzeddine teaches MBA level courses and frequently delivers his own training programs and seminars in areas such as leadership and innovation, strategic planning and negotiation. In addition to the United States, he has presented/taught in Russia, Lebanon and Slovakia. An active member of the community, he serves on the board of several local organizations.