Guest Blogger: Robert Burrus, Ph.D., Dean, Cameron School of Business
This time last year, I took the opportunity to write about Cameron’s partnerships with - and impact - in the community. This year, I would like to explore Cameron’s partnerships and impact in the world.
A quick look through Cameron’s current Strategic Plan, as well as UNCW’s Strategic Plan, UNCW’s Vision Statement, Cameron’s Mission Statement and other planning documents, it is easy to find the strategic initiative of having a “global mindset.”
In today’s digital age, there are very few boundaries to overcome in sharing knowledge, ideas and research. The speed at which data can be shared simultaneously around the world is mind-blowing.
Cameron’s entrance into global business was not only out of strategic planning but also out of necessity. Business schools need to adapt their curriculum, distance education and philosophy in reaction to the increasingly global nature of the business world.
Cameron is committed to preparing our students for careers in a global business community, where success is no longer measured on a domestic scale.
- Sixty percent of UNCW international students are in the Cameron School of Business.
- Over 200 Cameron students study abroad each year.
Cameron has very active summer study abroad programs; this summer total participation was more than 180 students.
These programs facilitate opportunities with our TABSA Partners:
- Kedge Business School in Marseille, France
- Hochschule Bremen, University of Applied Sciences in Germany
- Universitat de Valencia in Spain
- University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, UK
The CSB also hosts faculty-led study abroad trips to various other locations, including China and Australia and, soon, Russia and Barbados. One course provides business valuation and marketing experience through an annual consulting project in Prague, Czech Republic, with approximately 30 students participating this past year.
Which leads us to Cameron’s curricular programs… two universities plus two countries equals one dual master's degree in one year. The International MBA is a unique master's program combining travel, adventure and culture with a profound academic experience. This is a full-time program for students with an undergraduate degree in business, finance or economics. All courses are taught in English.
This past year saw the launch of Cameron’s new online Executive MBA Program. Recognizing the new global business world, students engage in a one-week international residency in Europe or Asia as part of the program.
If all else fails, another possibility for global engagement is Cameron’s International Business option. This program allows a student to focus on the other international aspects of management, marketing and finance to gain an understanding of the forces that influence the conduct of businesses around the world.
One of the best examples of embracing international diversity on campus occurs every Thanksgiving at the home of Cameron faculty member, Tom Simpson, and his wife, Cindy. Hundreds of international students are able to enjoy an American tradition and have a sense of belonging around the holidays.
Where in the world is the Cameron School of Business? Cameron – its faculty and students – reach most points of the globe!
