Seminole State welcomes new associate VP to lead academic school

Seminole State College of Florida welcomes Basim Khartabil as the new associate vice president to the new School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies. The new academic school was created by merging the College’s School of Engineering, Design and Construction and the School of Academic Foundations.

Khartabil comes to the College with over 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as the dean of faculty at Robert Morris University Illinois, where he focused on analyzing and improving teaching methods and academic environments for student achievement. He advocates for community partnerships as a way to open up new opportunities for students. Through establishing robust local, regional and international agreements, summer programs and experiential opportunities, Khartabil strives to close the gap between education and industry.

“Experience-based learning is crucial for so many of these fast-moving fields where new developments and techniques are constantly being made,” said Khartabil. “Making these important connections between high schools, higher education and industry partners gives students the strongest chance for success.”

He carries degrees in electrical and network engineering from Philadelphia University and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Khartabil is pursuing his Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service and is studying the effects of e-mentoring on college freshman retention.

“I champion continual professional development because we should never stop learning,” said Khartabil. “Whether that is returning to school to get your GED, earning a bachelor’s degree, or looking to complete an extra certificate to set you apart at work, there is something new to take you farther in your career. That is why I’m so excited to be leading this new school, because regardless of where you are in your educational journey, we have a path for you.”

In his new role at Seminole State, Khartabil will oversee the new School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies that offers four of the College’s seven bachelor’s degrees, a wide array of associate degrees and certificate programs, and adult education through the Center for English Language Studies and the new Center for Adult and Workforce Education. Khartabil will provide strategic leadership to the school, identifying industry needs and working with community partners to ensure Seminole State graduates are getting the education they need to flourish in their respective fields.