Dr. Faridah Awang, the first Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, is a leading figure in business, technology, and higher education, amassing an impressive 32-year international career. Her unwavering commitment to excellence culminated in attaining a Ph.D. in Workforce Education Program Leadership and Administrative Training from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, USA, firmly establishing her as a formidable force in academia and the professional arena. During her 22-year tenure at EKU, she has consistently upheld AACSB’s Scholarly Academic status through her research publications.
Over two decades, Dr. Awang navigated leadership roles at esteemed institutions, leaving an indelible mark at Eastern Kentucky University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and Southeast Missouri State University. Her 10-year tenure as Corporate Communication and Technology Program Coordinator at EKU, co-chair of the Association for Business Communication 76th Annual International Conference in Montreal, Canada, and President of the Association for Business Communication-International Southwest US region exemplifies her extraordinary leadership acumen, influencing students and colleagues.
In 2017, Dr. Awang achieved a monumental milestone by collaborating and securing reaccreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the Business and Marketing Education program. This achievement spotlights her profound mastery of the assessment process, emphasizing her steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of educational excellence. It reflects her meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, and enduring desire to provide students with an unparalleled education.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Awang excels in interdisciplinary collaboration, actively contributing to various university-level committees. As a notable member of the University’s Diversity Council in 2011, she played a pivotal role in crafting the EKU Comprehensive Diversity’s 2011-2015 Strategic Plan, which gained approval from Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education. Furthermore, she made significant contributions to the development of EKU’s current Post-Tenure Review Policy as a member of the drafting team. Dr. Awang’s commitment to university governance is evident through her election to multiple university and departmental roles, including her Faculty Evaluation Appeals Committee member service. Additionally, she brought her expertise to the Dean’s Evaluation committee for the last two College of Business deans.
Outside academia, Dr. Awang’s expertise extends as a sought-after consultant, influencing both for-profit and non-profit organizations globally. Her consultancy portfolio spans a broad spectrum, including data analytics, e-commerce, employee motivation, career development, and web design. Her visionary role in developing a dual degree program in Business and Marketing Education and Corporate Communication and Technology certification at EKU further solidifies her legacy in education.
Recognition and accolades have been showered upon Dr. Awang, highlighting her exceptional contributions. Her accomplishments span the Anugerah Khidmat Cemerlang Award in Malaysia, distinctions as a Distinguished Guest Speaker officiated by the Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, and prestigious awards like EKU’s Critical Thinking Teaching and the Jack L. Dyer Excellence in Teaching Awards. Furthermore, she has been honored with Outstanding National Delta Pi Epsilon research, Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation, and master’s thesis awards in the United States. Her memberships in Phi Kappa Phi Honor and Betta Gamma Societies and induction into the Illinois Writer Hall of Fame are a testament to her remarkable contributions to business education.
In 2019, Dr. Awang demonstrated her prowess as a transformational leader as the CEO and founder of the non-profit organization, The Faridah Awang Scholars Program. Her leadership style, characterized by an open embrace of change, compassion, and a willingness to take calculated risks, has propelled her organization to adapt to evolving challenges and seize opportunities. The program’s remarkable success in facilitating access to education in underserved communities worldwide is a testament to her unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.
