Waljat College of Applied Sciences, Institutional Standards Assessment, Feb 2018
 
Prof. Ian Cumbus
 
Professor Ian Cumbus studied Biological Sciences at the University of Lancaster (UK) and subsequently in 1975 obtained his PhD in Plant Physiology at the University of Bath (UK). Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Bath and Oxford University were followed by appointment as Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University in 1979. Secondments have included Foundation Dean of Science at the Asian University of Science and Technology in Thailand, start up and Head of Biotechnology programs at the Singapore Polytechnic, and Coordinator of Policy & Planning at Zayed University (1998-2000). Dr. Cumbus is a member of the UK’s Higher Education Academy and is a Chartered Biologist with the Institute of Biology (UK).   Over the years Professor Cumbus has received awards for Teaching Excellence and was recipient of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship in 1981. Most recently, in his role as Assistant Principal (Academic) at Writtle College UK, Dr. Cumbus was awarded Professorial status by the University of Essex in 2003. Dr. Cumbus has worked on contract for the Higher Education Funding Councils in England and Wales as Special Subject Quality Assessor and for other accreditation boards in the UK and internationally. Dr. Cumbus has worked as a Commissioner with the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in the United Arab Emirates. He has also been a Qualifications Framework Expert at the National Qualifications Authority, United Arab Emirates. 
 
Ms. Linda Steel
 
Linda has had a senior career in education, working within the sector for over 30 years. Based from London, Linda has delivered on a range of international engagement strategies across both public and private sectors and supported the implementation of national framework and qualification development initiatives. Setting policy, institutional review and establishing quality assurance systems cover some of her key areas of interest and expertise. Linda’s academic qualifications were gained from both Newcastle and Teesside Universities in the UK, with her post graduate studies focusing on education and educational leadership.  She has held senior positions at Teesside University managing the University’s satellite campus, and acted as Managing Director to the Board in establishing a new training institute in Bahrain. During her career Linda has worked closely with several government agencies to develop quality assurance and qualification frameworks at a national level, notably SAQA in South Africa, the IVE college consortium in Hong Kong, TAFE NSW colleges in Australia and many UK regulatory and awarding authorities. In addition to working within an academic context, Linda has led on corporate HRD initiatives with international organisations such as the BBC, SHELL, LURSSEN Logistics and BHP Minerals. Linda is currently working in Saudi Arabia as a Senior Advisor to the Colleges of Excellence. 


 
Dr. Michael J. Hillyard
 
Michael Hillyard is a consultant specializing in higher education quality assurance.  He has performed work on behalf of universities, accrediting organizations, and governments.    Dr Hillyard has served as President of the University of St. Augustine, a health sciences institution that annually produces the U.S.’s largest classes of physical and occupational therapists.  He was also Provost and Executive Vice President of the American Public University System, where he oversaw academic policy and operations for the American Public University`s, American Military University`s and American Community College`s 15,000 students and 160 degrees and programs.  Earlier in his career, he served as Dean of the American Military University.    Dr Hillyard`s professional service has included being a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia`s Career College Advisory Board and a certified accreditation evaluator and member of the Research and Educational Standards Committee for the Distance Education and Training Council.  He has also provided expertise on behalf of Hong Kong’s accreditation council, Saudi Arabia’s accreditation commission, Jamaica’s university council, Barbados’s accreditation council, and Egypt’s accreditation authority.  Hillyard has served as a board member for the U.S. Government’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation, Waldorf College, Catholic Distance University, Henley-Putnam University, and Columbia Southern University.    Dr Hillyard’s education includes the BSc in Business Administration from Miami University (Ohio), MA in Military Studies from American Military University, and Doctor of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. 
 
Mr. Pradeep Karun
 
Mr Pradeep was formerly the Deputy Dean (Planning & Administration) at the International College of Engineering & Management (ICEM), Muscat, Oman. He joined the International College of Engineering & Management (formerly known as Fire Safety Engineering College) in 2001. He then became the Head of Well Engineering Programme in 2003. From 2008 to 2017 he was the Deputy Dean (Planning & Administration) at ICEM. Pradeep holds a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and a post graduate degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He worked two years in a major steel melting plant in India before moving to academia in 1989. He is a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Welding Society, Society of Petroleum Engineers and Oman Society of Engineers.
 
Dr. Suhaila Ebrahim Al-Hashemi
 
Dr. Suhaila has over 29 years of teaching experience both at the University of Bahrain  (20 years, 1992 till 2012) and at Sultan Qaboos University (9 years, 2012 till present). She has completed her PhD from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her dissertation topic is the first research in Bahrain and the Gulf Region:   "Leadership and Emotional Intelligence in Bahrain, a study of Bahraini Managers." Her research work goes beyond the topic to include knowledge Management, corporate governance, interpersonal skills and other topics within the area of management. Her academic and scholarly goal is to spread the knowledge of emotional intelligence in organizations both in Bahrain and Oman, with a focus on improving and increasing awareness in the area.  She has conducted many training workshops over the years, 50 workshops in Twelve different topics in Bahrain and Oman. Dr Suhaila has published 24 individually and joint research work since 1999. She has  published a book in 2015 called: Emotional Intelligence: A Manual for Teachers And Students. In addition to another book published in 2012 called: Workplace Emotions, Emotional Intelligence in Bahraini Management with Richard Tzudiker. Her association and membership in professional bodies has added to her academic experience and widened her knowledge.