#FacultyFriday: Undergraduate Studies Mentor Nazik Roufaiel

Undergraduate Studies Mentor Nazik Roufaiel has behind her an impressive 35-year career in higher education, previously working for Marist College, Michigan Technological University, Ithaca College and Cornell University, just prior to joining SUNY Empire State College in 2005. Today, she is the department chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance and a full professor in the areas of accounting, finance, health-care administration, entrepreneurship and leadership.

“What attracted me to Empire State College was its uniqueness and how everything is so student-oriented,” said says. “I worked in traditional research institutions all my life, so I never really got to do that kind of customized student service that we do here at Empire. That connectivity between students and mentors is unique. For them, knowing that there is somebody at the college who is there for them is a very special feeling, and you get to be part of their life.”

Commenting at RateMyProfessors.com, Roufaiel’s students agree:

     “Dr. Roufaiel is hands down one of the best in the business. She really cares about her students individually.”
     “This professor is the most encouraging I have encountered.”
     “A professor that truly wants her students to understand and apply material.”
     “A better professor you cannot find.”

Roufaiel has three degrees from Cairo University, a bachelor’s in Business Administration Accounting and Finance, a masters in Accounting and Information Systems and a doctorate in Accounting and Information Theory. A versatile professional, she has wide-ranging expertise, including as a certified as a public accountant, internal auditor, fraud examiner, management accountant, information technology professional and board advisor. She has published a broad range of papers and presentations and has earned awards for teaching excellence. Roufaiel’s husband, Dr. Magdy Roufaiel, is an adjunct professor with SUNY Empire, and they have co-authored academic papers. She has two sons, both doctors.