In Memory of Dr. Moustafa H. Abdelsamad
Dear Islanders,
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Moustafa H. Abdelsamad, Dean Emeritus of the TAMU-CC College of Business, and Professor of Finance. Dr. Abdelsamad passed away on Jan. 2, 2024, in his new home in Arlington, Virginia. His burial was conducted following the prayer at Dar Al Hijra Mosque in Arlington, Virginia.
Dr. Abdelsamad served Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with dedication and distinction for 28 years including 22 years as Dean of the College of Business. He provided extraordinary service to TAMU-CC, the College of Business, and the community. He led the team that secured initial AACSB business accreditation in 1999, subsequent maintenance of business accreditation in 2009, and initial AACSB accounting accreditation in 2009. He was part of the effort that was instrumental in securing the gift from Michael and Karen O'Connor in support of a new home of the College of Business, which was dedicated in 2011. He led the effort to establish the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center in 2009 to foster community business development and growth as a business incubator for start-up companies in the technology sector. He oversaw the creation and development of the online MBA program in 2011. He was editor-in-chief of SAM Advanced Management Journal (AMJ) from 1985 to 2013, housed in the College of Business from 1991 to 2013.
In 2013, the International Management Development Association recognized Dr. Abdelsamad as the International Business Educator of the Year. In 2019, he was a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who's Who. He was a past recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award from the TAMU-CC Alumni Association.
Dr. Abdelsamad served extensively with AACSB International as a member of its pre-accreditation council, as a peer-review team member or chair for numerous universities domestic and international, and as a mentor/advisor for several schools seeking initial AACSB accreditation. His vast experience with AACSB also assisted the College in its successful continuous improvement review of AACSB business and accounting accreditation in 2014.
During his time in Corpus Christi, Dr. Abdelsamad made a lasting impact on the local community as well. He was a member of the board of directors of the World Affairs Council, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, and the National Conference for Community and Justice. He was a trustee for the Corpus Christi Industrial Foundation and was president of the Council of Texas Business Deans.
“Dr. Moustafa Abdelsamad devoted decades of service to the Island University as he helped shape the academic framework of our College of Business. His unwavering commitment to student success along with his visionary leadership leaves an indelible mark on all those he encountered. He will be remembered not only for his integrity but also for his compassion, mentorship, and the genuine connections he cultivated with those around him,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, President and CEO of TAMU-CC. “It was an honor to work with Moustafa and a privilege to call him my friend.”
We are sure that many of you have fond memories of working with Dr. Abdelsamad. Please keep his family, friends, former students, and colleagues in your thoughts as they mourn his passing.
