Dr. Al-Walidi Earns National Appointment
His Excellency the Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Shaikh chaired the National Center for e-Learning Board of Directors' most recent session in Riyadh last week. In that session, members of the National Center for e-Learning Board of Directors focused on selecting new leadership. King Khalid University is proud to announce that one of our own, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Walidi, has been appointed Director-General of the National e-Learning Center. This national-level appointment, chaired by His Excellency the Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Shaikh, is for a period of three years. His Excellency King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh Al-Solamy, congratulated Dr. Al-Walidi on his appointment and wished continued success and the assistance of God in helping him execute the duties of his role. Dr. Al- Walidi is a recognized expert and respected leader in the field of e-learning.
Dr. Al-Walidi expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Shaikh. He also thanked the Board of Directors of the National Center for e-Learning for their faith in appointing him to this position. Dr. Al-Walidi promised to fulfill his duties with great care and attention to the best of his abilities. Dr. Al- Al-Walidi extended his gratitude to Rector Al-Solamy for his continuing support that led to him achieving this honorable appointment.
Dr. Al-Walidi is a longtime faculty member and a consistent high performer in both academics and university administration. He has held a number of senior roles at the university. They included being e-Learning Deanship Dean, Information Technology Directorate General Supervisor, and consultant to several advisory bodies and universities in the GCC region. Dr. Al-Walidi holds graduate degrees in computer education, design and e-learning from the University of Kansas and is an often published scientific researcher and expert in his field.
In the year 1439 AH, the Council of Ministers authorized and directed the appropriate authorities to establish the 'National Center for E-Learning'. The purpose of the center is to encourage electronic education and help improve the quality of distance learning programs.
The Center's mission is very important as e-learning is a fundamental component of the national development strategy set forth in Vision 2030. Economic and industrial development in modern times requires that higher education and advanced technical training be made increasingly available to the population in a cost-effective manner. The Kingdom's medium to long term labor market outlook indicates an enormous need for specialists in a broad array of professions and disciplines. E-learning plays a primary role in satisfying these demands.
