Dr. Hossam "Hoss" Banna

For Dr. Hossam Banna, "teaching provides the missing component of my professional life. During the day, I'm a Senior Civil Engineer and a researcher in the fields of business administration and information technology management," he said. "In the classroom, I can share what I've learned working on multi-million dollar projects and managing teams with incoming students." This interest in teaching others has earned Dr. Banna an American InterContinental University Online Faculty In-service Training Award four years in a row.

As Supervising Project Manager, he has worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works since 1994. "Currently I lead the Environmental Programs Development Section team in managing, developing, and implementing complex environmental recycling programs. These include various projects involving strategic planning, marketing and outreach, environmental technology, recycling, and managing the solid waste fund for Los Angeles County (over $12 million in annual revenues)."

Dr. Banna's academic credentials include a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from California State University, Northridge. He completed his Doctorate of Business Administration with a specialty in Information Systems at Nova Southeastern University in 2001.

Since 2002, he has been teaching a wide range of management courses both online and at traditional on-ground campuses. In addition, Dr. Banna has participated in various research projects and served on dissertation committees for several doctoral students. His teaching style is that of a facilitator as well as lecturer. "I not only use examples of my own real world experience with students, I also solicit discussions based on examples from their workplaces. Then in our chat sessions we can relate the topics we're studying directly to the problems they're facing at work."

Joining AIU Online in 2002, Dr. Banna has watched the school evolve and takes a special pride in its achievements. "It's a very dynamic environment," he explained. "The school's administration has always solicited feedback from the students and the faculty and acted on these suggestions with remarkable efficiency. So there is a constant sense of growth with regard to the school's technology, course material, and those 'little things' that still make a big difference overall. All of these changes are motivated by a real commitment to make the educational experience at AIU Online more worthwhile for the students."

Another thing that Dr. Banna claims is unique to AIU Online is a sense of community that is vital for developing a professional network. "AIU Online courses are taught by professionals with real time experience in their field who are often considered leaders in their industry. This is truly unique. I remember when I attended my first faculty meeting here and found that I was working with people who had served on national commissions and even in various Presidents' cabinets. To be able to connect with professional colleagues at such a level is invaluable for someone building a career."

As for Dr. Banna's own students, they have the opportunity to learn from a senior manager of a major municipal agency serving over 10 million residents and who makes a point of connecting with his pupils in every way possible. "I've kept in touch with many of my former students who graduated and often provide advice when needed. It's an honor to work with them and I'm very proud that I was able to contribute to their success."

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