Professor and Chair Completes Three Executive Leadership Programs

Dr. Mebougna Drabo, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical & Civil Engineering and Construction Management at Alabama A&M University, recently completed a prestigious series of advanced leadership programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His participation culminated in earning the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership, which recognizes professionals who complete multiple intensive programs designed for senior academic leaders.

Drabo was selected through a competitive application process to participate in three elite programs offered by Harvard’s Institutes for Higher Education: Organizational Change in Uncertain Times (January–February 2024, virtual), Management Development Program (MDP) (June 9–14, 2024, in-person), and Institute for Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) (June 8–14, 2025, in-person). These programs are designed specifically for higher education leaders – directors, department heads, deans, provosts, and presidents – who are navigating the complex demands of academic institutions in an era of change. Participants are grouped with peers facing similar challenges, creating a vibrant learning community grounded in research-driven leadership principles.

Now in his 13th year at Alabama A&M, Drabo has served in a wide range of academic and administrative roles, including Assistant Professor (2012–2018), Associate Professor (2018–2023), and Professor since 2023. He is currently the Chair of the Department of Mechanical & Civil Engineering and Construction Management, Director of AAMU’s Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering (effective August 1, 2025), and Alabama EPSCoR Agency Director for the U.S. Department of Energy. During his tenure, Drabo has successfully secured more than $11 million in research funding

Drabo’s academic training is as expansive as his leadership experience. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Alabama, a B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University at Buffalo, and an Associate of Science degree from Fulton Montgomery Community College.

Each Harvard program provided Drabo with specific tools and insights that he is already applying to his leadership at AAMU. From the Organizational Change in Uncertain Times program, Drabo gained strategies for building resilient teams and implementing agile decision-making processes. “This course was a game-changer for leading through uncertainty,” he said. “It’s helped me build a framework for curriculum flexibility that allows us to respond to rapid shifts in engineering education.”

The Management Development Program emphasized ethical leadership and inclusive environments. “One standout lesson was learning how to balance competing interests while remaining true to institutional values,” he noted. “It also inspired me to launch a new mentorship initiative to foster a more connected and supportive environment for faculty and students.”

The Institute for Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) focused on aligning institutional mission with everyday practice. “It made me reflect deeply on my leadership style and sparked a review of our departmental goals. I want to ensure they are ambitious, actionable, and aligned with AAMU’s broader mission,” he said.

Drabo’s says what he learned at Harvard this summer is reshaping how he leads as department chair, research center director, and mentor. He is actively advocating for greater research funding and faculty development, launching new mentorship initiatives, and forming industry partnerships that enhance student learning and workforce readiness. These efforts, he says, are part of a broader strategy to empower AAMU’s STEM community and strengthen the University’s academic and research footprint.

“Leadership isn’t just about managing – it’s about inspiring and advancing shared goals. The MLE, in particular, sharpened my ability to think strategically, and I’m excited to apply that vision to AAMU’s future. I’m committed to creating an environment where our students and faculty thrive – driving academic and research excellence together.”