Nahla Haidar appointed Associate Dean of STEM

At the start of the 2025-26 academic year, HFC mathematics instructor Nahla Haidar became the Associate Dean of the HFC School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Haidar, who has taught at the College since 2006, succeeds Gillian John, who retired at the end of the 2024-25 academic year after 23 years of service. Haidar and John first met when they were at Wayne State in the early 2000s.

“I have known and worked with Nahla for many years – not only here at HFC but also when we worked together at Wayne State,” said John. “During her service as an instructor and math coach in HFC’s Math department, and as an instructor in Wayne State’s Emerging Scholars Program, she has worked tirelessly in support of both students and faculty. She has also been preparing for her transition to her new role here. We met regularly to familiarize her with the demands of the position. I am pleased to pass the torch to her.”

Her parents instilled the value of education

The fourth of six children, Haidar was born in the Republic of Senegal, West Africa. She immigrated to the United States in 1988 and speaks fluent Arabic, English, and French. Haidar resides in Dearborn Heights with Nazeh, her husband of 35 years. They have two adult daughters.

Haidar completed her secondary education in Kaolack, a town in Senegal. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the Cheikh Anta Diop University (then the University of Dakar) in Senegal. She later earned a second master’s degree in pure mathematics from Wayne State. Haidar has completed ABD (all but dissertation) toward a doctorate in mathematics at Wayne State.

“My grandparents and my parents were immigrants. My father’s side of the family settled in Africa and my mother’s side of the family in the U.S. My maternal grandfather served in World War I,” explained Haidar. “Both of my parents were advocates for the value of education. Education is not just about getting a job but also about being recognized and getting ahead in life. My father told me, ‘People can take a lot away from you, but they cannot take away your education.’ He convinced me of the importance and the value of education.”

Watching students succeed is the greatest reward

Haidar discovered her gift for mathematics began when she was in middle school.

“I had a good math teacher who motivated me and helped e learn math in a way I understood,” she said. “I excelled in math in middle and high school. I won the State Exam in Mathematics and Physics and was recognized by the governor of the state. Education is affordable for citizens in West Africa.”

Initially, she considered a career in medicine.

“I thought about becoming a doctor. But I wasn’t emotionally ready for that, and it just wasn’t my calling,” recalled Haidar. “I wanted to make a difference in the way education did for me and my family. That’s why I became a teacher. That’s why I love education and I love being here.”

Haidar has taught for 30 years. She taught at Lawrence Technological University and Wayne State before coming to the College in 2006. Haidar feels most at home at HFC because of its diverse community.

“I feel that HFC represents my values of education well,” said Haidar. “I’m serving the community I’m proud of. I’m proud of them, proud to be Arabic. I connect with students. Seeing students succeeding and getting what they came for is so rewarding for me. I often get emails, ‘Hey, I graduated from the University of Michigan and I’m an engineer now. I owe it to your class.’ These students worked so hard, and it’s great to see them thriving!”

Tireless advocate of students and faculty

During her time at HFC, Haidar served as coordinator of developmental courses and has taught gateway courses.

“The gateway courses involve students who are underserved,” she said. “I worked predominantly in that area to figure out the issues students were having so we could provide the support they most need.”

Fellow math instructor Scott Barnett expressed his respect for Haidar.

"Nahla has been a great colleague for 15 years and has tirelessly supported students, while contributing to the Math Department. I look forward to her support of faculty and students in her new role as the associate dean,” said Barnett.

Haidar served as the Quantitative Literacy Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) representative for the Committee for the Assessment of Student Learning (CASL) for three years.

She has also served on the Women in STEM Committee and the Council of World Cultures (CWC) Committee. She even invited physicians from Doctors Without Borders to speak to students about opportunities to serve.

“I wanted to educate people to take a good look at the lives of others and witness what they’re going through, especially with so much negativity and misinformation going around today,” she said.

Expertise and empathy

Haidar spoke about what led to her serve as the associate dean.

“It’s my colleagues in the Math department’s fault. They voted for me,” she joked. “Janice and Gillian are amazing. Both inspired me to apply for this role. I’ve always liked to learn more about the issues going on at the College. With my work as a math coach, I’m always listening to both students and faculty. It taught me how two sides can have different points of view and how to bring them together. I decided to become the AD and see if I can do more to bring different sides together.”

Gilliland is looking forward to working with Haidar in her new position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nahla Haidar to the leadership team in the School of STEM!” said Gilliland. “With more than two decades of teaching experience across all levels of mathematics and a reputation as a compassionate listener, she brings expertise and empathy to the role. She will be an outstanding advocate for both students and faculty.”