Dr. Faridah Awang is a leading light in business, technology, and higher education, amassing an impressive 33-year international career.
Her unwavering commitment to excellence culminated in attaining a Ph.D. in Workforce Education Program Leadership and Administrative Training from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, USA, and a 2025 leadership credential from Harvard Business School, solidifying her as a formidable force in academia and the professional arena.
Over two decades, Dr. Awang navigated leadership roles at esteemed institutions, leaving an indelible mark at Eastern Kentucky University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and Southeast Missouri State University. Her tenure as the first Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Corporate Communication and Technology Program Coordinator and President of the Association for Business Communication-International SW US region exemplifies her extraordinary leadership acumen, influencing students and colleagues.
In 2017, Dr. Awang achieved a monumental milestone by securing reaccreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the Business and Marketing Education program. This achievement spotlights her profound mastery of the assessment process, highlighting her steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of educational excellence. It reflects her meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, and enduring desire to provide students with an unparalleled education.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Dr. Awang has an exceptional ability to collaborate seamlessly across academic boundaries. Her impressive track record of successful collaborations across colleges showcases her adeptness in fostering synergistic relationships that transcend traditional academic silos. This skill bolstered her academic endeavors and enriched the educational experiences of countless students and colleagues.
Dr. Awang, an award-winning professor at Eastern Kentucky University, holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian American to achieve full professorship in her academic field in the United States. Her 2017 autobiography has been a tremendous success in Malaysia, where she frequently appears as a guest on radio and television talk shows. Plans are currently in motion to adapt her inspiring life story into a feature film.
Outside academia, Dr. Awang’s expertise extends as a sought-after consultant, influencing both for-profit and non-profit organizations globally. Her consultancy portfolio spans a broad spectrum, including textbook authoring, data analytics, e-commerce, employee motivation, career development, and web design. Her visionary role in developing a dual degree program in Business and Marketing Education and Corporate Communication and Technology certification at EKU further solidifies her legacy in education.
Recognitions and accolades have showered upon Dr. Awang, highlighting her exceptional contributions. Her accomplishments span the Anugerah Khidmat Cemerlang Award in Malaysia, distinctions as a Distinguished Guest Speaker officiated by the Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, and prestigious awards such as the EKU’s Critical Thinking Teaching and the Jack L. Dyer Excellence in Teaching Awards. Furthermore, she has been honored with Outstanding National Delta Pi Epsilon research, Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation, and Master’s Thesis awards in the United States. Her memberships in Phi Kappa Phi Honor and Betta Gamma Societies are a testament to her remarkable contributions to business education.
In 2019, Dr. Awang demonstrated her prowess as a transformational leader as the CEO and founder of the non-profit organization, The Faridah Awang Scholars Program. Her leadership style, characterized by an open embrace of change, compassion, and a willingness to take calculated risks, has propelled her organization to adapt to evolving challenges and seize opportunities. The program’s remarkable success in facilitating access to education in underserved communities worldwide is a testament to her unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.
FASCHOLARS PROGRAM, INC. 