Dr. Faleh Al-Solami is the President of King Khalid University in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. Appointed by Royal Order in 2016, he has spent decades building Saudi Arabia’s higher education system. His story shows how dedication to learning and teaching can create lasting impact.
Early Life and Education in Makkah Province
Dr. Faleh Al-Solami was born in al-Kamil Governorate, which is part of Makkah al-Mukarramah Province. This small town in western Saudi Arabia gave him his first taste of education.
School Years
He started his education journey at local schools:
- Primary school: Graduated from al-Ibrahimiyah School
- Middle and high school: Completed at al-Kamil Intermediate and Secondary School
These early years in his hometown built the foundation for his future success in mathematics and education.
University Studies
After finishing high school, Dr. Al-Solami chose to study mathematics at King Abdulaziz University’s College of Science. This decision would shape his entire career path.
Academic Journey: From Student to Professor
Getting Started (1992-1998)
In 1992, Dr. Al-Solami graduated with his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. The university immediately saw his potential and hired him as a teaching assistant in the Mathematics Department.
But his learning didn’t stop there. He received a scholarship to study in the United Kingdom, where he focused on differential geometry – a complex area of mathematics that studies curves and surfaces.
Earning His PhD
Dr. Al-Solami completed his Ph.D. at Swansea University in Wales City in 1998. This achievement made him one of the qualified Saudi mathematicians ready to help build the country’s education system.
Rising Through Academic Ranks
After returning to Saudi Arabia, his career grew steadily:
1998: Started as Assistant Professor at King Abdulaziz University 2005: Promoted to Associate Professor 2013: Became full Professor in the Mathematics Department
Teaching at Multiple Universities
Dr. Al-Solami didn’t limit himself to one university. He shared his knowledge across Saudi Arabia:
Jazan University (2006-2007)
- Worked as Associate Professor
- Helped establish mathematics programs in the southern region
Tabuk University (2007 and 2009)
- Served as Associate Professor in 2007
- Returned as full Professor in 2009
- Contributed to higher education in the northern region
This experience at different universities gave him a deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s educational needs.
Leadership Roles in Higher Education
At King Abdulaziz University
Dr. Al-Solami took on many important roles:
Secretary of Mathematics Department (1998-2005)
- Managed department operations for seven years
- Helped coordinate academic programs
Vice Dean of Graduate Studies (2001-2006)
- Oversaw programs and development
- Improved graduate education quality
Consultant to Vice President for Academic Affairs (2014-2016)
- Advised on university-wide academic policies
- Prepared for his future role as university president
Revolutionary Work at Tabuk University (2007-2013)
Dr. Al-Solami’s most impressive administrative work happened at Tabuk University, where he held multiple leadership positions:
Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research (2007) This role put him in charge of:
- All graduate programs
- Research initiatives
- Scientific advancement
Multiple Committee Leadership (2008) He simultaneously chaired numerous important committees:
- Academic Affairs Committee
- Job Reclassification Committee
- Administrative Promotions Committee
- Quality Control Committee
- Scholarship and Training Committee
- And many others
Acting Vice President for Development and Quality (2010) Secretary of University Council (2007-2013)
This six-year period showed his ability to manage complex university operations.
Making Impact at Jazan University (2006-2007)
During his time at Jazan University, Dr. Al-Solami wore many hats:
Dean of Admission and Registration
- Managed student enrollment processes
- Improved registration systems
Acting Dean of Faculty of Science
- Led the science programs
- Supervised faculty development
IT Leadership
- Supervised the Computer Unit
- Directed the Information Technology Center
- Chaired E-Learning Services Committee
Becoming University President
In 2016, Saudi Arabia’s leadership recognized Dr. Al-Solami’s exceptional abilities. A Royal Order appointed him as President of King Khalid University in Abha City.
Why This Appointment Matters
King Khalid University serves the southern region of Saudi Arabia. As president, Dr. Al-Solami leads:
- Thousands of students
- Hundreds of faculty members
- Multiple colleges and programs
- Research initiatives
- Community outreach programs
Scientific Contributions and Research
Dr. Al-Solami isn’t just an administrator – he’s also a serious researcher and scientist.
Research Achievements
- 66 published studies and research papers
- Peer reviewer for scientific journals in differential geometry
- Expert in differential geometry – his specialty area of mathematics
National Education Planning
He played a key role in Afaq Project, which plans the future of university education in Saudi Arabia. As member and vice-chairman of the “Graduate Studies” track, he helped shape how Saudi universities will develop.
Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Designed total quality programs for postgraduate studies at King Abdulaziz University
- Created databases for approved academic thesis abstracts
- Improved standards across multiple universities
Impact on Saudi Higher Education
Regional Development
Dr. Al-Solami’s work spans Saudi Arabia’s regions:
- Western region: King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah
- Northern region: Tabuk University
- Southern regions: Jazan University and King Khalid University
This geographic spread means he understands the unique needs of different Saudi communities.
Student Success
Through his roles in admissions, registration, and academic affairs, he has directly impacted thousands of Saudi students’ educational journeys.
Faculty Development
His committee work and leadership roles have helped improve working conditions and advancement opportunities for university faculty across the kingdom.
Leadership During Saudi Vision 2030
As university president during Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation, Dr. Al-Solami leads important changes:
Economic Diversification Support
King Khalid University, under his leadership, helps train Saudis for new economy jobs in:
- Technology and innovation
- Healthcare and medical research
- Engineering and applied sciences
- Business and entrepreneurship
Research and Development
His scientific background helps the university contribute to Saudi Arabia’s research goals and knowledge-based economy development.
Lessons from His Career
Dr. Al-Solami’s journey offers important insights:
1. Continuous Learning
From his bachelor’s degree to his PhD in the UK, he never stopped learning and improving his skills.
2. Service Before Leadership
He spent years in supporting roles before becoming a university president, gaining experience at every level.
3. Multi-Regional Experience
Working at universities across Saudi Arabia gave him broad perspective on the country’s educational needs.
4. Balance of Academic and Administrative Skills
He combines deep mathematical knowledge with strong management abilities.
Current Challenges and Opportunities
As King Khalid University president, Dr. Al-Solami faces several important tasks:
Modernizing Education
- Integrating new technologies
- Improving online learning capabilities
- Updating curriculum for modern job market
Research Excellence
- Building research capabilities
- Attracting international collaborations
- Supporting faculty research projects
Community Connection
- Serving the southern region’s development needs
- Partnering with local businesses and government
- Supporting regional economic growth
Future Outlook
Dr. Al-Solami’s experience positions him well to lead King Khalid University into the future. His combination of:
- Mathematical expertise
- Administrative experience
- Multi-university perspective
- Research background
- Regional understanding
Makes him an ideal leader for Saudi Arabia’s evolving higher education landscape.
Conclusion
Dr. Faleh Rajaallah Mune’a Al-Solami represents the best of Saudi Arabia’s academic leadership. From his humble beginnings in al-Kamil Governorate to leading a major university, his story shows the power of education and dedication.
His work across multiple universities has strengthened Saudi Arabia’s higher education system. As the country transforms under Vision 2030, leaders like Dr. Al-Solami ensure that universities prepare students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
For young Saudis interested in mathematics, education, or university leadership, Dr. Al-Solami’s career path shows that with hard work, continuous learning, and commitment to serving others, it’s possible to make a lasting impact on the nation’s future.
His leadership at King Khalid University continues to shape the minds that will build tomorrow’s Saudi Arabia.
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