​​​Dear KAUST Community,

After more than 25 years in positions of leadership in academia, Carol and I have decided that the time has come for us to start a new chapter in our lives. After much personal reflection, I informed the KAUST Board of Trustees of my decision to retire at the end of August 2017. Leadership in academia and especially serving as the President of KAUST is an exhilarating privilege; hence, this decision was very difficult to make for someone who has dedicated a major part of his life serving great institutions. However, upon contemplating my career of service in academia, I have decided to retire and turn the page so that Carol and I can focus on our personal lives and our wellbeing. 

KAUST has become home for us and you are more than just colleagues, you are our friends. I am very proud of the caliber and integrity of the people who have joined and continue to arrive at this very special institution. We have built a remarkable community of dedicated people who will carry this University successfully into the future. Your contributions have laid a foundation of excellence that have captured the attention of our peers and partners across the world. I am proud of you, my friends and colleagues. 

I am honored that Chairman Al-Naimi has asked me to serve on the Presidential Search Committee that has been appointed to identify my successor over the coming year. At the upcoming "State of the University" address on September 28, I will share more about my pride in the University's accomplishments and discuss the role of the Search Committee. 

During this final year at KAUST, Carol and I look forward to the many ways we will continue to support our talented people in their pursuit for excellence and impact. We have a lot to accomplish this academic year and together we will continue to drive the agenda of Destination KAUST. 

I remain your most dedicated ambassador! 


Yours in discovery,
Jean-Lou​