Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), Shouf Campus, was founded in 2001 by the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary to serve students in the Shouf and Southern regions of Lebanon. The official inauguration of the campus in Deir El Kamar took place on Friday, October 21, following the approval of the formation of this new campus by NDU's Board of Trustees during their meeting on March 8, 2001.
Shouf Campus has a rich history of educational excellence. Nestled beside the Mar Abda Monastery, which was established on June 22, 1849, the campus carries forward the monastery's educational mission. In 1895, Fr. Ephrem Hnein El-Dirany initiated a school within the monastery, offering instruction in Syriac, Arabic, and French languages, as well as Mathematics, Geography, and handwriting. Several decades later, Mar Abda College, founded in 1963, emerged as one of the region's prominent educational institutions, a distinction it maintains to this day.
Honoring its tradition in education and aligned with NDU's mission, Shouf Campus brings high-quality higher education closer to students' homes and workplaces. Beginning with a small number of students, Shouf Campus has now grown to accommodate approximately 450 students pursuing a wide range of disciplines, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science programs, as well as specialized degree programs in fields such as Engineering, Architecture, Advertising, Mathematics, Business, and Health Sciences.
Students at NDU's Shouf Campus benefit from the advantages of being part of a distinguished university while enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere of the campus. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and robust support services, students have access to exceptional educational opportunities. State-of-the-art specialized laboratories equipped with the latest technologies enhance the learning experience. Shouf Campus students actively participate in student-led clubs and engage dynamically with the community through social and outreach programs. Demonstrating their commitment to equity, educational excellence, and financial aid programs, the Shouf Campus ensures that quality higher education remains accessible and within reach for all.
Several administrators were entrusted with the branch’s directorship since its opening:
- Dr. Assaad Eid, 2001-2004
- Dr. Roy Khoueiri, 2004-2006
- Fr. Boutros Bou Nassif, 2006-2011
- Fr. François Akl, 2011-2014
- Fr. Hanna Tayar, 2014-2018
- Fr. Naji Khalil, 2018-2023
- Fr. Walid Moussa, 2023-Present