University of New Haven – Riyadh Faculty
Our faculty combine academic depth with real-world professional experience, bringing the University's students-first philosophy to every classroom in Riyadh.
For the University's academic and executive leadership, see Leadership. For our non-teaching staff, see Riyadh Team.
Abdullah Almutairi, Ph.D.
Education
- Ph.D., Philosophy of Education, Florida State University
- M.A., Philosophy, Florida State University
- M.A., Educational Foundations, King Saud University
About Abdullah
Dr. Almutairi is a philosopher of education whose teaching and scholarship explore critical thinking, ethics, human rights, dialogue and educational theory. A Professor of Philosophy of Education at King Saud University, he is the founding president of the Saudi Philosophy Association and founder of the Riyadh Philosophical Circle, initiatives that have played a significant role in advancing philosophical discourse in Saudi Arabia.
His research on the ethics of the teacher-student relationship has been published in leading international journals, and he has written and translated numerous books on philosophy, education and ethics. Through his teaching and public engagement, he seeks to foster critical inquiry and meaningful dialogue in the classroom and beyond.
Fahad M. Al-Otaibi, Ph.D.
Education
- Ph.D., History, University of Manchester
- M.A., History, University of Manchester
About Fahad
Dr. Al-Otaibi is a historian of ideas whose work explores identity, ethnicity, race and historiography, with particular focus on the Arab world and the cultural interactions between East and West. A Professor of History at King Saud University, he has published extensively across history, archaeology, cultural heritage and education, and has held academic leadership and advisory roles in higher education and government institutions in Saudi Arabia.
He is an active member of international scholarly organizations and has received several awards for excellence in historical research. Fluent in Arabic, English, French and Hebrew, he brings a global perspective to the classroom, helping students understand the historical forces that shape contemporary societies.
Yassine Hmidy, Ph.D.
Education
- Ph.D., Artificial Intelligence, Université de Montpellier
- M.S., Applied Mathematics, Probability, and Statistics, Sorbonne Université
About Yassine
Dr. Hmidy's academic and professional experience spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, business analytics, data science and information systems. He has worked as an AI Research Project Manager at Capgemini–Sogeti Labs, where he led research and development activities related to fraud detection, predictive modeling and reliable artificial intelligence. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Machine Learning Engineer at Thales Alenia Space, applying artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques to hyperspectral satellite imagery and reliability analysis.
Dr. Hmidy has taught at several universities and business schools in France, delivering courses in artificial intelligence, deep learning, programming, data visualization, information systems and business analytics. His research has been published in international journals and conferences, with a particular focus on explainable and reliable machine learning, interval-valued neural networks and decision-support systems.
He is particularly interested in connecting academic learning with real-world business challenges and helping students develop practical, industry-relevant analytical skills.
Tynnetta Kelley, D.B.A.
Education
- D.B.A., Management and Organizational Leadership, University of Phoenix
- M.A., Media Studies and Corporate Communications, The New School
- B.A., Journalism, Temple University
About Ty
Dr. Kelley began her career in journalism, working in television news production at Philadelphia's ABC and FOX network affiliates before becoming a radio news reporter. Those early experiences sparked a lasting interest in how communication shapes organizations, communities and relationships, and ultimately led her to higher education.
She brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, complemented by professional expertise in journalism, strategic communications, public relations, workforce development and corporate training. She has taught communication, English and English as a Second Language in the United States, China, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and has held communications and leadership roles across the nonprofit, corporate and government sectors.
Her teaching emphasizes inclusive, student-centered learning that encourages curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration, preparing students to communicate with confidence beyond the classroom.
Education
- M.P.A., Public Administration and Non-profit Management, University of New Haven
- M.A., Teaching English as a Foreign Language, University of Reading
- M.A., English, McNeese State University
About Trace
Trace Manuel is an experienced English-language educator and academic program specialist with more than three decades in higher education and international preparatory-year programs. He has worked with the University of New Haven since 2016, and is a University of New Haven graduate himself. He has taught and managed programs in the United States, Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, working extensively with university and adult learners.
His teaching expertise spans academic writing, critical thinking and professional communication, supported by a strong background in curriculum development and assessment design. He has held leadership roles overseeing faculty teams, accreditation processes and admissions systems for new academic programs.
At NHU-Riyadh, he combines long experience of the University of New Haven's teaching standards with extensive international experience and a sustained commitment to high-quality, outcomes-driven instruction.
Ali Smaili, Ph.D.
Education
- Ph.D., Economics, Dalhousie University
- M.Sc., Economics (International Economics), Universiteit van Amsterdam
- B.A., Economics, American University of Beirut
About Ali
During his doctoral studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, Dr. Smaili worked as a research assistant on applied economics projects in the United States and spent four years as the instructor of a mathematics workshop, helping incoming graduate students refresh the mathematical foundations needed for their studies.
His research focuses on applied development economics, examining the interplay between urbanization, housing quality, migration and climate change.
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