Arda Arsenian Ekmekji

Previous Professions

  • Dean of Arts and Sciences, 1998 - present, Haigazian University.
  • Professor, Intercultural Studies & Archeology, 1997 - present, Haigazian University.
  • Instructor, Civilization Sequence Program, AUB. 1986-1997.
  • Member of the Admissions and Academic Program Committees, since 1997, Haigazian University.

Major Achievements

  • Honor from the Lebanese Parliament, 2020.

Field(s) of Expertise

Ancient History
Archeology
Intercultural Studies
Lebanese Electoral Law

Publications

  • Ekmekji, A. (2012). Confessionalism and Electoral Reform in Lebanon, Aspen Institute, Washington DC.
  • Ekmekji, A. (2011,2015). Toward Golgotha: Memoirs of Hagop Arsenian (Grandfather) during the Armenian genocide. [Manuscript submitted for publication].

Education

  • Doctorate degree, Civilizations and Archaeology, 1992 - 1994, University of Paris I – Sorbonne, France.
  • Master's degree, Archaeology, 1989 - 1991, University of Paris I – Sorbonne, France.
  • Master's degree, Archaeology, 1971 - 1974, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
  • Bachelor degree, Ancient History, 1968 - 1971, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

Awards

  • Medal of Lebanese Parliament in honor of Pioneer Women Lubnaniyat 2020, 2016.
  • Medal of the Ministry of Interior for a pioneer role in the supervision of elections in Lebanon, 2009.
  • Haigazian University Award for 10 years of service in promoting culture, 2007.
  • Medal of Lebanese First Lady for prominent female academicians of Lebanon, 2004.

Community Involvement

For the past 40 years, Arda Arsenian Ekmekji has served as a university professor, guiding hundreds of students toward the values of ethics, empathy, and tolerance. She has taught them that there is unity in diversity and that multiculturalism is a blessing rather than a curse. Her service to Lebanon can also be summarized as follows: she was appointed as the only woman in the Boutros Commission (NCEL) for drafting a new electoral law in Lebanon (2016) and has twice served as a member of the Supervisory Commission of Elections (2009, 2018).