Yansall Rasquides / Staff Writer
After seven years at FIU, Saif Ishoof, former vice president of engagement at FIU, resigned on Jan. 28 to pursue his own strategic advisory firm.
Following his departure, the Office of Engagement will report directly to the provost, according to a university-wide email sent by Interim President Kenneth A. Jessell.
Ishoof’s newest endeavor, Lab22c, focuses on tech development within South Florida.
This is a step Ishoof has thought about for some time, according to an announcement posted by FIU News.
Ishoof guided several partnerships as the longest-serving vice president in the Office of Engagement.
He also helped secure the 2020 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, launched the Urban Potential Laboratories (UP Labs) future of work training program, scaled internship collaboration with Miami’s top academic institutions and enhanced FIU’s partnerships.
These included FIU partnerships with both the Royal Caribbean and Mitre Corporation, a nonprofit research management organization that specializes in cyber defense.
“Please join me in thanking Mr. Ishoof for his commitment to academic excellence, innovation and student success,” said Jessell in an email announcing Ishoof’s departure.
Ishoof helped develop a partnership with City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, where he served as senior advisor for Innovation and Technology in the Mayor’s efforts to launch Venture Miami. This provided opportunities between tech founders and investors with FIU faculty, staff, alumni and students.
Ishoof raised close to $70 million for FIU during his tenure by securing support from Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies, the Education Effect, the Talent Development Network, UP Labs and more.
