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A black and white headshot of Salah Elmaghraby.

Elmaghraby Global OR Fund

The Elmaghraby Global OR Fund recognizes Salah Elmaghraby, who spent close to 50 years as a professor at NC State.

Last updated: 12/11/2025 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

Salah Elmaghraby’s Story

Elmaghraby spent nearly 50 years as a professor at NC State. His inquisitive mind and passion for knowledge impressed everyone he met. Beyond his many titles and awards, his dedication to family, students, colleagues, and learning set him apart.

When Elmaghraby came to NC State, he developed the Operations Research Program in the Industrial Engineering Department. He built the infrastructure and created a strong community of students, family, and friends. Everyone knew they could count on Elmaghraby for wise advice, helpful support, and lively political discussions.

Salah Elmaghraby sitting behind his desk in his office at NC State.
Salah Elmaghraby sitting at his office desk
I want to support Elmaghraby’s passions

His Passions

Elmaghraby loved to connect with other scholars, discover new ideas, and share his time selflessly. He had a legendary work ethic. On any given day, you could find him:

  • Helping a student find a job
  • Working on a paper
  • Submitting a new grant (yes, even at 85!)
  • Writing a book
  • Studying for an exam (he still audited statistics and math classes as a professor)
  • Hosting an unknown colleague from abroad

In his spare time, Elmaghraby was an avid reader, a passionate sailor and a lover and patron of the Arts.

Salah Elmaghraby surrounded by his students in a classroom in Beijing, China

“Education – it is the one thing they can never take away from you.”

Salah Elmaghraby

Honoring Salah Elmaghraby

A gift to the Elmaghraby Global OR Fund helps remarkable OR students achieve their dreams and make a positive impact. Please help us keep his legacy alive and thriving.

How will the funds be used? The Elmaghraby Global OR Fund supports research between OR students, faculty and international scholars. It covers travel expenses for international scholars visiting OR faculty and for OR faculty and students traveling abroad. OR faculty will decide how the funds best meet the program’s needs and honor Elmaghraby’s collaborative and global legacy.

I want to support Elmaghraby’s passions