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President Alison Byerly today named an administrator with extensive higher education experience as her special assistant for strategic planning and implementation.
Amir Tejani, director of strategy and analytics in Lehigh University’s Office of Economic Engagement, will assume the newly created position on Monday, Dec. 4.
In February 2016, Lafayette’s Board of Trustees approved Byerly’s plan to increase the size of the student body and faculty over six to eight years in order to provide the financial resources and campus capacity necessary to become a college that can admit outstanding students without regard to their ability to pay.
Implementation of that strategy began this fall, as Lafayette enrolled a first-year class that is the largest, most diverse, and best prepared academically in the College’s history.
“Building the financial aid resources necessary to become affordable to all families will strengthen the quality of our student body and place Lafayette among the nation’s top undergraduate colleges,” Byerly said. “Getting us there involves an implementation process that touches all areas of the College and requires ongoing management, assessment, and communication. Amir brings a perfect blend of experiences and skills to help the College pursue our strategic goals.”
Tejani has been at Lehigh for nearly four years, holding senior roles in development and alumni relations and economic engagement while leading the planning and implementation of data-driven processes and programs. Prior to joining Lehigh, he held fund-raising and event management positions at Santa Clara, Marylhurst, and American universities; at American he also helped administrate an international legal studies program.
“The people doing the work are the determining factor in whether a strategic plan succeeds,” Tejani said. “A community needs leadership, frequent and transparent communication, and processes that allow people to tie their own success to the goals of the institution. Lafayette recognizes and values people as an asset worth stewarding, and I am excited to help the College reach its ambitious goals.”
Tejani holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from American University’s School of International Service. He lives in Bethlehem, Pa., with his wife, Jess, and their three-year-old son, Tobin.