In Memoriam: Professor Abdul "Abe" Qastin
We are saddened to share that Abdul "Abe" Qastin, a popular, longtime Lakeland University business professor and administrator, died on July 5. He was 86.
A dedicated educator whose academic career spanned more than four decades, Qastin served on Lakeland’s faculty from 1981 until his retirement in 2017. During his 36 years at Lakeland, he taught and advised numerous business students, served as associate dean of the William R. Kellett School of Adult Education from 1999-2008 and in 1990 was named R.K. Bemis Professorship in Business Chair.
Known for his thoughtful approach to teaching and genuine care for students, Qastin was a trusted mentor both inside and outside the classroom. He advised countless business students throughout his career, helping guide them toward academic and professional success.
In recognition of his impact, Lakeland's Student Government named him Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1987.
“People put lots of time into me,” Qastin said. “I’m putting lots of time into the students to repay the debt.”
He also chaired the Professional Standards Committee, advised Students in Free Enterprise and represented the faculty on the Lakeland Board of Trustees. He was a multi-time winner of “One of America’s Leading Educators” by the Samuel Moore Walton Free Enterprise Fellowship.
The Lakeland community also came to know his wife, Jane, who served as an adjunct faculty member. Together, they shared a commitment to educating and supporting Lakeland students and remained valued members of the university family for many years.
Before joining Lakeland, Qastin taught business administration and accounting at the University of Baghdad. A native of Basrah, Iraq, he graduated first in his class from the University of Baghdad before earning a scholarship to study in the United States. He later completed graduate studies at the University of Minnesota and earned a doctorate in business administration from Kennedy-Western University.
Outside the classroom, Qastin served the community in numerous ways. He was known for his wisdom, generosity and lifelong passion for learning.
Please join us in extending our sympathy to Jane, their children and grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to know Professor Qastin.
