“I am deeply honored to lead this transformative and exciting initiative at WestConn,” Hayajneh said. “By combining graduate education, career success, workforce development, and global engagement, we are creating a dynamic system that empowers students to excel academically, professionally, and personally, while addressing the evolving needs of the workforce.”
Hayajneh joined WestConn in 2017 as a Professor of Management. Since 2022, he has served as Interim Dean of the Ancell School of Business, leading initiatives that boosted enrollment and improved student success and retention and ensure continued accreditation of the school. He brings nearly 30 years of rich experience in higher education, executive leadership, and international engagement, including senior roles as Chief Academic Officer at Jumeira University in Dubai and Chief Operating Officer at two university hospitals.
President Dr. Manohar Singh highlighted the transformative role of graduate and career education in an era defined by rapid advancements in technology. “Emerging technologies will touch every professional domain — healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, education, liberal arts, and the fine arts. In this light, graduate and career education is not just a strategic priority; it is essential to WestConn’s mission to serve our communities’ evolving educational needs,” said President Singh.
He further emphasized, “The new School of Graduate, International, and Career Studies exemplifies WestConn’s commitment to agility and responsiveness. It builds upon our legacy of providing world-class education to deserving students, while preparing them for the future. It is a testament to the power of our community — faculty, staff and students — coming together to realize the vision of our strategic plan, Western Rising.”
With SGICS, WestConn reinforces its commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, and global engagement, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world.