Dr. Rasel Mahmud Jewel, a Bangladeshi scholar and emerging global researcher, has earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree from Westcliff University in Irvine, California. In a remarkable achievement, he was also selected from among 661 graduates representing approximately 96 countries to receive the highly prestigious Dr. John Lee Legacy of Leadership Award.
Prior to presenting the award, Westcliff University President Dr. Anthony Lee delivered a detailed address highlighting Dr. Jewel’s outstanding academic accomplishments, research contributions, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service. He explained the reasons behind selecting Dr. Jewel for this distinguished honor.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Jewel said, “I was truly speechless. It was an indescribable feeling—one that words can hardly express.”
He also recounted another memorable moment from the. Before the award ceremony, Dr. Jewel was escorted to the Green Room, where he was surprised to find university leaders and faculty members—individuals he once waited long hours to meet—approaching him to take selfies. “It was then I realized that my years of perseverance and dedication had truly led to something meaningful. Alhamdulillah,” he added.
Dr. Jewel’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Born in a remote village in Chandpur District, Bangladesh, he walked barefoot to school during his childhood and grew up in a household without electricity. Despite these challenges, he completed three master’s degrees in Bangladesh and later served for eight years in Bangladesh Customs.
In 2022, he moved to the United States on a graduate assistantship to pursue higher education. During his doctoral studies, he served as a Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor. His research led to the development of an innovative “Three-Layer Perception Model” for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the public sector, particularly in customs operations.
Beyond academia, Dr. Jewel has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the Bangladeshi diaspora. As the founder and former president of the Bangladeshi International Students Association of California (BiSAC), he brought together nearly 2,000 students from 38 universities across the state. He currently serves as Organizing Secretary of the Dhaka University Alumni Association of California, Finance Secretary of the Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles (BUFLA), and Representative-at-Large for the Wilshire-Koreatown Neighborhood Council in the City of Los Angeles.
He is also actively involved in youth leadership initiatives, serving as Chair of the Youth Forum for the 40th FOBANA Los Angeles Convention, where he promotes cultural unity, leadership development, and community collaboration.
Dr. Jewel has published 16 peer-reviewed research articles in areas including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, Public Health, and Digital Transformation. His work has received more than 370 citations, establishing him as an emerging international researcher bridging academic innovation with real-world impact.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Jewel paid tribute to his late parents, whose sacrifices continue to inspire him. He also acknowledged Christina, Director of Student Affairs, and Taylor, Associate Director of Student Affairs at Westcliff University, for their guidance and mentorship. He extended his appreciation to his dissertation chair, Dr. Samuel Hernandez, as well as faculty members, administrators, and staff for their unwavering support.
Finally, he expressed heartfelt thanks to his wife and their one-year-old son for their love, patience, and encouragement throughout his journey.
Dr. Jewel’s story stands as a powerful example of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of education.
