The focus of the Western Studies Institute
The Western Studies Institute will concentrate on studying the West through intensive research and educational programs in fields as diverse as literature, philosophy, religion, law, art, cultural studies, history, anthropology, social science, politics, and economics.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PRESIDENT / FOUNDER OF WSI
Fahad A. Alhomoudi
Alhomoudi is the founder and president of the Western Studies Institute. In the past he served as Head of Research Accreditation and Quality Assurance, Vice-Dean for Academic Research and Publication, and professor at the Schoool of Law of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University. He works as a consultant for Princess Norah bint Abdulrahman University. Through his role as Fulbright Scholar, Alhomoudi has engaged many in extensive Intercultural/Interfaith Dialogue initiatives, including the establishment of the Western Studies Institute . He has been a visiting professor and lecturer at McGill University, Loyola University, and Melbourne University. He was awarded a BA in Principals of Religion and an MA in Islamic Studies from Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University . His academic research has focused on Prophetic Tradition, Islamic Law and Environmental Law, and Methodology of Muslim Scholars. He is a member of several international committees and associations, and has published stuff.
FOUNDING MEMBER OF WSI
Dr. Sarah S. Khadhr
Ms. Khadhr is a founding member of the WSI Board of Trustees and oversees WSI publications and website. In the past, she has contributed to several websites including serving as director of an online youth journal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology with a focus on Contemporary Schools of Thought and Ideology from Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition, she holds certificates for the Microcomputer Software Specialist Program at Washington Business School in Vienna, VA, USA and web page development from the Business Training Center of John Abbot College in Quebec, Canada.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY
Sabine O’Hara
Dr. O’Hara is the Managing Director and Vice President of Professors Beyond Borders and Principal of Global Ecology LLC. A respected author, researcher and higher education executive, Dr. O’Hara previously served as the Executive Director of the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) and Vice President of the Institute of International Education (IIE), an international exchange organization responsible for administering the Fulbright program. Previous positions include President of Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, and faculty and administrative leadership positions at Concordia College, Green Mountain College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a visiting scholar position at Harvard University.
SHUMOU INVESTMENT GROUP
Bader Al Mugayel
Mr. Mugayel is the general manager of Shumou Investment Co. at Shumou Investment Group in Saudi Arabia, where he generated new development deals for a real estate development company that focuses on multi-family residential projects, including real-estate market analysis. He was previously an investment manager at MIG GROUP.
AMERICAN REFINING GROUP
Harry Halloran
Mr. Halloran is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Refining Group. He is also the Chairman and CEO of ARG Resources. Mr. Halloran is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in civil engineering. After graduating, he entered the Augustinian seminary for four years and earned a Master of Arts degree in theology.
Mr. Halloran is founder and CEO of Energy Unlimited, Inc., a company involved in the renewable-energy field, and has served on the board of The American Wind Energy Association. Other past positions include Trustee of Villanova University, College of Commerce and Finance; and Trustee of The Academy of Natural Sciences. He is also the Founding Trustee of The Enlightened World Foundation and the Halloran Foundation. He is a member of the Caux Round Table and serves on the Board of The Journal of Ecumenical Studies. Mr. Halloran founded Halloran Philanthropies in 2007 with the belief that business is one of the most powerful drivers for positive social change.