The second cohort of the Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Service Excellence at LUMS has been announced. Co-sponsored by the Vice Chancellor’s Office and the Human Resources (HR) department, these Awards recognise continued dedication and exceptional service of staff members at the University. 

Eighty-five staff members were nominated this year. The nominations were carefully reviewed and ranked by the Selection Committee according to the contributions to the wider LUMS community. The Committee has selected the following individuals as the recipients of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Service Excellence 2023:

• Ms. Ayesha Zia, Manager Operations and Data Management, Office of the Registrar
• Ms. Eilya Mohsin, Head of Academic Affairs and Communication, Office of the Dean, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) 
• Mr. Khalid Mahmood Siddiqi, Deputy Manager, Office of the Dean, Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law
• Mr. Muhammad Farooq Usman Ali, Manager, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering 
• Dr. Tahira Haider, Head of Department, Counselling and Psychological Services

Ms. Ayesha Zia
Manager Operations and Data Management, Office of the Registrar

With a six-year association with LUMS, Ms. Zia has successfully managed the Communications Team at the Office of the Registrar and upon assuming the responsibility of overseeing the Grades and Student Services Team, made significant enhancements to its operational efficiency. As an active member of the University's graduate and undergraduate curriculum committees, she has contributed to formulating, reviewing, and implementing academic policies for LUMS degree programmes. Her various contributions have extended beyond her immediate duties highlighting her unwavering commitment to the institution. Upon the announcement of her selection for the award, Ms. Zia said, “I am truly honoured to receive the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Service Excellence.”

Ms. Eilya Mohsin
Head of Academic Affairs and Communication, Office of the Dean, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) 

Ms. Mohsin has efficiently led the Advisors of MGSHSS Academic Advising Unit and managed three nodes in the advising structure. She has also developed an online advising module for LUMS and supervised the Learning and Mentoring Initiative at the School. Along with all these responsibilities, she oversees the MGSHSS Career Centre. Furthermore, she manages the School’s social media and communications strategy, ensuring effective and creative communication with all stakeholders. Her dedication and leadership have had a profound impact on her colleagues and the overall success of her team. This acknowledgment has significantly increased her motivation to continue thriving towards higher goals and objectives that serve the community at LUMS and beyond.

Mr. Khalid Mahmood Siddiqi
Deputy Manager, Office of the Dean, Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law

Mr. Siddiqi has provided unwavering administrative support to the faculty, students, and alumni at the Law department since 2007. Throughout his career, he has shown continuous growth, taking on additional responsibilities by overseeing diverse administrative tasks, overseeing the budget for the Law School and faculty grants, collaborating with architectural and design partners, external grant budgeting, and mentoring new faculty and staff in administrative affairs. He has been deeply touched by his selection for the award and remarked that “Awards like this inspire us to continue to strive for excellence. It, indeed, will increase my productivity and performance. Such awards will be a milestone in maintaining and improving meritocracy in LUMS.”

Mr. Muhammad Farooq Usman Ali
Manager, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering 

Throughout his 11-year tenure, Mr. Ali has made remarkable contributions to LUMS, consistently demonstrating exceptional professionalism and a strong work ethic. Starting as a Senior Officer, he has progressed to the position of Manager, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBASSE. Mr. Ali played a vital role in the department's evolution from Chemistry to Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and has contributed to the successful launch of new engineering programmes. He is extremely grateful for the acknowledgment of his efforts and upon selection for the award stated, “Receiving the Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Service Excellence 2023 is a tremendous honour and it fills me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude.”

Dr. Tahira Haider
Head of Department, Counselling and Psychological Services

Dr. Haider has played a pivotal role in establishing CAPS as the central unit responsible for the well-being and safety of the students on campus. She has played a critical role in implementing systematic data collection and expanding operational and assessment teams further improving service administration. Under her leadership, the department now serves a significant number of students on a weekly basis, facilitating international and local clinician exchanges through the placement programme. Expressing her gratitude, she stated, “I am truly honoured to be receiving the award - it is very motivating for both me and my team to be recognised in this manner.”