Williston State College names Atallah as new VP for Academic Affairs
Posted: Jul 12 2023
WILLISTON, ND – The search for the institution's new Vice President of Academic Affairs has been successfully concluded, and Williston State College is pleased to announce Dr. Zahi Atallah as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). Dr. Atallah will begin in his new role on July 17.
Dr. Atallah comes to us from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and brings a plethora of knowledge and experience with him. His educational history includes master's and bachelor's degrees from universities in Lebanon, as well as degrees in plant pathology and agricultural engineering with a PhD from Washington State University.
In terms of his professional background, Dr. Atallah most recently held the position of president at Illinois' Lincoln Trail College. Prior to that, he served as the VPAA at Wisconsin's Blackhawk Technical College. He has also held positions at Washington State University as a research assistant as well as the Dean of Advanced Technology and Applied Science at Hartnell College in California. He has also worked as a scientist in the department of plant pathology at UC-Davis in California, an associate researcher in plant pathology at the University of Wisconsin, and a research assistant at UC-Davis. Due to his varied background, Dr. Atallah provides unique viewpoints and insights into the academic world.
In addition to his stellar professional history, Dr. Atallah has a wealth of expertise in grant management, publishing and presentations at scientific conferences, and numerous journal articles and publications. His contributions to academia have had a significant and notable impact.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Atallah joining the Williston State College family. He brings a broad, diverse, and deep level of experience to the position having served in President and Vice President roles, as well as spending some time in the California Community College and University of California Systems. He has a strong background in accreditation, academic program development, and CTE programs,” stated WSC President Dr. Bernell Hirning.
All the faculty and staff who actively took part in this crucial selection process deserve our sincere gratitude. Your insightful advice and persistent work played a crucial role in making sure the right person was appointed to this crucial post.
As Dr. Zahi Atallah takes on the responsibilities of Vice President of Academic Affairs at Williston State College, we would like to express a hearty welcome to him. His leadership, knowledge, and enthusiasm for education will undoubtedly help our institution to grow and succeed in the future.