The Multifaceted Role of the COO in Steering Lebanese Tertiary Education Through Crisis and Beyond

As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the University of Balamand, my role has extended far beyond the conventional boundaries of operational management, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s prolonged crisis. Over the past five years, Lebanon has seen economic turmoil, political instability, a global pandemic, and most recently a war. Overseeing comprehensive crisis management and strategic oversight involves a proactive and multifaceted approach to navigating uncertainties and ensuring stability. This responsibility is particularly crucial in a context like Lebanon, where educational institutions face ongoing economic, political, and societal challenges. Crisis Preparedness and Response Effective crisis management required a well-prepared response mechanism tailored to the unique risks faced by the institution. Crisis response planning was developed and regularly updated to address potential scenarios such as political unrest, economic instability, health emergencies, and natural disasters. This plan includes clear protocols for communication, decision-making, and logistical arrangements to ensure continuity of operations.