Dr. Stuart Kewley – President and Provost
Dr. Stuart Kewley is a graduate of the University of Cambridge (MPhil, DPhil) and began his academic career as Director of Studies at the University of Oxford. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the higher education sector. He has been instrumental in curriculum design, partnership development, and has a very strong understanding of the regulatory landscape for education providers in the EU, South and South East Asia, the US, and the Middle East. He has held senior leadership roles in numerous education institutions. Until 2023, he was the Senior Vice President of Partnerships and International Development at the IDM Education Group and is currently Provost at the University of Business, Innovation and Sustainability (UBIS).
UBIS was designed to be an American-style institution with the vision of bringing western education to the emerging middle classes around the world.
The owners, who were involved in other American educational institutions, saw an opportunity to pursue a unique global mission with a European-based institution. The differentiation for the global student who attends UBIS and its sister institutions is that they receive a globally-centric, American education and benefit from expanded career opportunities within their host countries.
Not only are graduates’ candidates for leading positions with local firms, but they are, more selectively, candidates for positions in western firms operating within their country.
Executive Leadership Team
Dr. Mark Defusco – Chief Executive Officer
Dr. DeFusco also served as chief executive officer/president at Vatterott Education Holdings, a private equity-held, for-profit college with 20 campuses in nine Midwestern states. Earlier in his career, DeFusco served in several senior management capacities with the University of Phoenix (Apollo group). He also served as assistant to the president at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, OH.
He holds a B.A. from Villanova University and a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. He sits on the board of several education companies and many nonprofit boards. He currently serves as the executive director of the Education Foundation, a leader in sponsoring for-profit joint ventures with nonprofit colleges and universities.
Whitney Hutchings – Director of Student Operations
Whitney Hutchings is an accomplished education professional with extensive experience in international teaching and student services management. She currently serves as the Director of Student Operations at UBIS Global, where she leads student support operations and optimizes registrar functions. Whitney has held various roles, including Global Student Services Manager, Global Admissions Team Lead, and English teacher in multiple countries. Her expertise spans academic records management, student retention strategies, and teaching across international curricula.
Dr. Hiba Ewaiwi – DBA Defence Chair
Dr. Hiba Ewaiwi holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from UBIS, with research focused on crisis management and communication in higher education institutions. She also holds postgraduate degrees from the University of Sussex and the University of Surrey, alongside a BA in English Language and Literature.
Dr. Hiba Ewaiwi is an education, organisational development, and crisis management specialist with over a decade of diverse experience across higher education, international development, and management. She has designed and delivered strategic initiatives that strengthen institutions, empower individuals, and drive sustainable impact. Her expertise spans curriculum design, strategic planning, programme implementation, human resource management, and organisational learning. Notably, as a Crisis Management Consultant with the Strong Cities Network, she developed and delivered a foundational Crisis Management Response Guide and toolkit for one of the largest municipalities in the MENA region, transforming existing resources into actionable operations to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery.
Dr. Femina Syed – Head of the Research Institue
Dr. Femina Syed is a distinguished academician, researcher, and corporate trainer with over 20 years of experience in teaching, training, and research. She has an outstanding academic track record and is deeply committed to student development, particularly for those with diverse learning needs.
Currently, she serves as the Head of the Research Institute at the University of Business Innovation and Sustainability. Dr Femina has a very strong publication record, with 19 publications in international journals and she has also presented 11 papers at conferences cross the globe. She also actively contributes to academic committees, doctoral research supervision, and faculty development initiatives.
Previously, she was the Head of Academics and Senior Lecturer at Achievers International Campus, UAE, where she led academic program development, strategic planning, and curriculum management. Her teaching portfolio includes MBA, DBA, and undergraduate programs, covering subjects like Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Leadership, and International Business.
Dr. Syed is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Indo Asian Award for Distinguished Professor (2019) and the Best Woman Academician of the Year (2020). She holds a Doctorate in Management Studies from Cochin University of Science and Technology, specializing in organizational ambidexterity and product innovation.
