NW Valley Times

Dr. Ayad Saknee has marked a significant milestone in her academic journey by becoming the first doctoral candidate to be inducted in person into the Eta Chi chapter of Delta Mu Delta, an international business honor society at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Dr. Saknee, who arrived in the United States from Iraq a decade ago without any prior experience in higher education teaching, now teaches at both GCU and Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC).

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Saknee stated, “It was a struggle for me from the beginning. I was too scared my first time teaching in a lecture hall. But GCU provided the support for me, and here I am today.” She earned her doctorate in business administration with an emphasis on data analytics from GCU last June and has been a full-time faculty member at PVCC since August 2022.

Balancing her roles at both institutions posed challenges due to scheduling conflicts between her adjunct position at GCU and full-time duties at PVCC. “I told them, by law, I cannot teach anymore (at GCU) until after 4:30 p.m.,” she explained. Accommodations were made to allow her to continue teaching evening classes starting at 5 p.m.

Dr. Moronke Oke, chair of management for the Colangelo College of Business and advisor for the chapter, praised Dr. Saknee’s dedication: “She always arrived early so that she would be available to meet with her students.” Oke also noted that while other doctoral candidates have been inducted virtually before, Dr. Saknee is unique as their first in-person inductee.

Teaching large classes initially posed difficulties for Dr. Saknee, who found it challenging to engage up to 100 students compared to smaller groups of around 20 students. Seeking advice from fellow professors helped her develop strategies to maintain student engagement.

In addition to teaching both online and in-person classes—a skill sharpened during the COVID-19 pandemic—Dr. Saknee enjoys all teaching modalities equally: “Each one has a specific advantage, but I like them all.”

Her personal support system includes her daughter Lara and son Yousif, who are excelling academically themselves.

The fall ceremony also saw several other inductees join Eta Chi Chapter alongside honorary member Dean John Kaites of the business college.

Mark Gonzales contributed this report for GCU News.