AUC Signs an Agreement with CIB to Establish the CIB Endowed Professorship in Banking

The American University in Cairo (AUC) signed an agreement with the Commercial International Bank (CIB) Egypt to establish the CIB Endowed Professorship in Banking to promote knowledge of banking through teaching, research and service. “AUC is always proud to be both at the cutting edge of research and education and of service to Egypt. This chair represents this dual commitment at its best,” said AUC President Lisa Anderson at the ceremony celebrating the signing of the CIB Professorship in Banking. “The research that will be done by the holder of this chair, and by his or her students, will serve not only to enhance our understanding of the world of finance but will have tangible and practical effects on the well being of millions of Egyptians,” Anderson added. 

Hosted by President Anderson at AUC New Cairo, the signing ceremony attendees included CIB Chair and Managing Director Hisham Ezz Al Arab, Provost Amr Shaarawi, Dean of the School of Business Sherif Kamel, and members of CIB executive team, members of AUC’s Office of Institutional Advancement as well as AUC’s School of Business. “The main objective of establishing the CIB Professorship in Banking is to design and implement banking curriculum in different educational programs, which will provide this essential training to students,” said Ezz Al Arab. “Consequently, these students will join banks well-equipped with the required knowledge base that enables them to contribute at the beginning of their careers.  As these graduates progress in their careers, CIB would expect them to take leadership positions both in the private and public sectors, helping their organizations make effective contributions that will ultimately be of immense benefit to the country,” he added.

AUC’s partnership with CIB is a major step towards integrating industrial trends into the classroom. The CIB Professor will be an accomplished academic whose students will be exposed to the various aspects of banking that will challenge their thinking and encourage their application of creative new practices to the banking sector. The professorship will fine-tune research efforts in the area of banking by developing regional case studies, fostering collaborations with international experts and scholars, and producing high-quality research papers. It will also serve as a link between the School of Business and key members of the banking community, including regulators, boards, executives and others. This will constitute an effective communication channel between those in academia and those practicing banking by offering workshops, conferences and other activities directed toward the development of banking skills among both faculty members and students.