Dr. Emad Rahim, Kotouc Family Endowed Professor and Chair at Bellevue University and Program Director of Project Management, has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Curt Reimann Baldrige Scholarship and Quality Award. This scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to quality management and leadership.
As one of two recipients, Dr. Rahim will participate in the Baldrige Examiner training program, which focuses on applying the principles of the Baldrige Excellence Framework in organizational improvement.
Dr. Rahim plans to use the Baldrige Excellence Framework to enhance academic and professional success for faculty and students within Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology.
“By incorporating the core values of the Baldrige Framework, I aim to ensure our programs remain aligned with industry standards and are adaptable to the evolving demands of the marketplace,” said Dr. Rahim.
Dr. Rahim has outlined a strategy to integrate Baldrige principles into Bellevue University’s curriculum and faculty development processes. This includes regular assessments to measure program effectiveness, aligning faculty performance reviews with the framework’s criteria, and maintaining a focus on adaptability to meet marketplace demands.
“As we continue to enhance our programs, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that our students and faculty are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world,” Dr. Rahim added.
SUNY Onondaga Community College – Alumni Faces Class of 2025: Emad Rahim ’16
Six Onondaga Community College graduates will be recognized as distinguished Alumni Faces honorees for their professional achievements and contributions to the college and the community. Their accomplishments will be highlighted during an induction ceremony April 3 at 5 p.m. in the Frederick Marvin and Ernst Schuh Recital Hall in the Academic II Building. Today we highlight honoree Emad Rahim ’16.
Emad Rahim ’16 is a survivor of genocide in Cambodia where he lost his father and older brother to the war. After fleeing to the United States, his family found a home on Syracuse’s west side.
He graduated from Fowler High School and came to OCC where he was part of the Educational Opportunity Program. His Advisor and Professor Nicholas Poulos recommend he be tested for a learning disability. When he was diagnosed with dyslexia and received much-needed accommodations, it opened up a world of possibilities for him.
He earned multiple doctorate degrees and became an award-winning author, educator, Fulbright Scholar, and TEDx Speaker. He dedicated his life to making his community a better place, working as the Surge Entrepreneurship Manager at The Tech Garden with CenterState CEO, and serving as the Kotouc Endowed Professor & Chair at Bellevue University.
“My journey at OCC was nothing short of transformative! From struggling to graduate high school to earning two doctorate degrees and serving as a college dean at multiple universities, OCC’s student-focused culture ignited my passion for teaching and turned my life around.”
For more information about Bellevue University’s Project Management Center of Excellence, visit https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/center-for-project-management/.
