MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
July 2019
Ms. Maheba Merhi
Ms. Maheba Merhi is the Associate Regional Dean for National University, Nevada. National University is a private nonprofit university founded in 1971 in San Diego, California. Currently there is one campus external to California, located in Henderson, Nevada. Maheba is the primary administrative Dean for the Nevada campus, located in the southern region of the state. In her role, she is responsible for the student lifecycle; student recruitment, admissions, retention and graduation. Managing the campus and student support team is a highlight of her daily activities. The Henderson team has grown admissions and retention successfully during her 4-year tenure at the campus. Maheba works very closely with the state school districts in developing and offering teacher education programs to meet the teacher shortage within the state. University expansion throughout the state is developing and she is working with community colleges and the public servant sector, including law enforcement to offer transfer pathways and career progression through higher education. Working collaboratively with faculty and higher administration is key to the success of the campus and their students. A university success and community establishing event that she is extremely proud of is the first Nevada Commencement ceremony that was held last year. Moving forward, her goal is to grow our program offerings and student body throughout the state.
We are very excited to feature her this month in our “Meet the Professional” series.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Ms. Maheba Merhi.
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Degree/s and Universities.
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Sustainability – in progress, Saybrook University.
- California State University, Dominguez Hills: Master of Business Administration, International Business
- California State University, Fullerton: BA Biology, minor Biochemistry
Please list any awards/recognitions/honors:
- Featured in Nevada Business Magazine, October 2017 and November 2018 Industry Focus: Education
Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:
Upon graduation from California State University, Fullerton and realizing that the science and medical field was not my true passion I had to refocus and decide what my best career route was going to be. With the support of my family, I decided to pursue an MBA in International Business which would utilize my bilingual talents and science background.
While at CSU Dominguez Hills, I interned in the International Student Office strategizing on Marketing and Outreach to students all over the world. I was able to meet many students that arrived to the campus and I knew then that International Business would be my focus. I had always had a passion for travel and culture, traveling to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India in my youth. It made complete sense and was my “a-ha!” moment.
Upon graduating, I worked in the corporate world and remained in the field of International Business, mixed with education. It was a wonderful dream career that came to a screeching halt once the horrific tragedy of September 11, 2001 occurred. The company I was working with shut down and I was forced to refocus and reevaluate my career once again.
It was once again that I realized that Education and International relations were my passion and I pursued employment in a familiar and beloved field of Higher Education. I was quickly offered a position with a private university which seemed like a dream. Alas, I struggled to pursue the opportunity due to pride and money. I was prideful and worried that I would be accepting a position that was lower than I previously held and with far less compensation than I was accustomed to. It was then that my number one fan and mentor, my dad, Sami Merhi gave me a deadpan look in eye and literally said “Who cares? Let me ask you, how much are you making sitting home in your pajamas? Take the job and show them who you are and I promise you will succeed quickly.” It was in that moment that my life would change for the better when I accepted an International Student Advisor position. I was quickly recognized and promoted to the Associate Regional Dean of International Programs within the university, I moved to San Diego and pursued an amazing career traveling the world and changing lives. Throughout my 17 years with the university I have created and advanced positions and have since moved to Nevada as the Associate Regional Dean to the only external campus to the California main campus.
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?
Throughout my life and career my role models have always been my parents. Being the oldest of 5 children I watched them work hard, treat others with respect, appreciate opportunities, and always be pillars within our community. Their strength and dedication to our education so that we could work smarter, not harder has always propelled me to succeed and see the silver lining in all situations.
Additionally, my tenure with the university was supported early on by managers that appreciated my efforts above and beyond what was expected and offered sage advice that I still value – always perform and present yourself for the position you want to be in, not the position you are in.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
In the next ten years I see myself completing my PhD in Organizational Leadership and Sustainability and advancing my career in Higher Education throughout the world.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Be humble and stay out of your own way. Consult others and follow your heart.
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
Anyone that knows me, knows I enjoy PEZ collecting and for 16 years owned and hosted the Longest Running California PEZ Collector Convention with my Mom, Camelia Merhi. I am an avid collector and have connected with others around the world, even in Lebanon! In 2016 I cohosted a PEZ collector meeting in Beirut and continue to meet with fellow collectors when I visit biannually.
I also enjoy outdoor activities and have started running in the last 6 years which has improved my health and well-being, mentally and physically.
Last, but not least, I LOVE being an older sister to my 4 siblings and an auntie to my 3 nephews and 2 nieces. They are all my pride and joy and I can only wish and pray to help mentor and celebrate them along the way.
A Q&A form will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime feel free to send any questions you would like to ask Ms. Maheba Merhi to admin@network1017.com
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