Larissa Von Alberti Ph.D.

Program Director,
Vice Dean of Programs and Faculty, Professor of Accounting

Background

Dr. Larissa von Alberti holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and an MSc (Distinction) in Accounting & Finance from the University of Southampton, UK, both supported by scholarships from the University and the UK’s Economic and Social Science Research Council (ESRC). Following her doctoral studies, she undertook an ESRC-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Southampton, focusing on strategic management accounting and performance management in higher education institutions — areas she continues to advance through research and academic leadership.

Dr. Larissa was a founding faculty member at the German Jordanian University in Amman, where she served as the first Head of the Accounting Department and the School’s first Exchange Officer, developing and managing networks with German industry and academic institutions from 2008 to 2012. She later joined King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, contributing to major accreditation efforts including AACSB and AMBA.

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Dr. Larissa brings extensive academic and administrative expertise across international institutions, with strong involvement in strategic initiatives, accreditation, and global exchange programs. She has actively contributed to applied research in collaboration with industry leaders in logistics and sustainability.

Function and Specialization

• Managerial Accounting
• Strategic Management Accounting & Performance Management
• Corporate Reporting, Sustainability, and Integrated Reporting
• Accounting and New Technologies
• Accounting Education

James Ryan Ph.D.

Vice Dean of Faculty & Research,
Professor of Organizational Behavior

Background

Dr. James Ryan is a seasoned management scholar with over 20 years of international experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He specializes in workplace behavior and human resource management, bringing deep expertise to both academic and executive learning environments. Dr. Ryan holds a B.Sc. and M.A. from University College Dublin, and earned his Ph.D. from Dublin City University in Ireland.

Since 2008, he has been active in higher education institutions across the Gulf region, building on earlier academic experience in New Zealand and his native Ireland. He is widely respected for his ability to engage diverse student populations and has been honored with numerous awards for teaching and research excellence at the national, institutional, and departmental levels.

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Dr. Ryan has led and contributed to research projects, workshops, and executive education initiatives focused on human capital strategy and performance management. His international consulting and academic engagements have equipped him to bridge theory and practice with clarity and impact.

Function and Specialization

• Human Resource Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Performance Management Systems
• Talent Acquisition and Retention
• Employee Engagement and Development

Kimberly Deatherage-Mominah Ph.D.

Instructional Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior

Background:

Dr. Kimberly Deatherage-Mominah is an accomplished scholar and practitioner with over 20 years of experience in higher education and counseling across the United States and Saudi Arabia. Her research focuses on the influence of culture on behavior, inclusion and diversity, engagement, and factors that shape personal and professional development throughout the lifespan.

Dr. Kimberly began her career in the United States as a counselor and program coordinator serving adolescents and young adults. After moving to Saudi Arabia, she spent eight years at Effat University as a psychology faculty member, mentor, and academic advising manager. She later continued as adjunct faculty and consultant for MBSC and other organizations before joining MBSC full-time in 2019 as faculty and college counselor.

She has actively engaged in public speaking on personal and professional development, contributing to TEDx and various higher education institutions. Recognized for her contributions, she was the first recipient of the Queen Effat University Faculty of Excellence Award for both the University and the College of Social Sciences.

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Dr. Kimberly’s work has consistently emphasized creating inclusive environments, promoting engagement, and advancing diversity in organizational and educational contexts. Her career reflects deep insights into leadership, mentoring, organizational behavior, and cultural integration, with a strong alignment to Vision 2030 priorities.

Function and Specialization:

• Organizational Behavior & Cultural Dynamics
• Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives
• Personal & Professional Development Coaching
• Higher Education Leadership & Counseling
• Faculty Mentoring & Academic Advising
• Public Speaking & Professional Development Training