SU Global MBA Celebrates Spring ’21 Convocation in Shanghai, Feb. 27

Thirty-five students in Shenandoah University’s SU Global MBA (GMBA) program, all Mandarin-speaking global professionals in upper- and middle-management positions across diverse industries in China, participated in Student Convocation on Feb. 27 in Shanghai.

GMBA faculty advisor, Juan Peng, Ph.D., of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Laifeng Gu, Ph.D., Dean at Shanghai Chuang He Hui, provided a warm welcome to students and cited many of the attributes of the 14-month graduate program.

Dean Emeritus W. Randy Boxx, Ph.D., whose prestigious 42-year career in business academia spans teaching and leadership roles as the dean of three business schools, including eight years at Shenandoah University School of Business (from 2004 to 2012), delivered the keynote address virtually. Dr. Boxx, who serves on the SU Global Board of Advisors, spent the last eight years consulting with more than 100 universities worldwide. He is a well-respected authority for his knowledge of AACSB International accreditation and for his expertise regarding excellence in business education.

The skills you will develop as a part of this program will include personal and professional growth in leadership, communication, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, cross-cultural competency, integrity, flexibility, self-awareness, and resilience. You must know that this program has been designed to stand at par with some of the best programs across the globe.”

W. Randy Boxx, Ph.D. | Dean Emeritus of Shenandoah University School of Business & Member of SU Global Board of Advisors

Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., along with SU Global Program Founder and Head Yvonne Chen, Ph.D., as well as Shenandoah University School of Business faculty members Seth Chatfield, Ph.D., Bernadine Dykes, Ph.D., Giles Jackson, Ph.D., and Gokce Palak, Ph.D., joined the students virtually. President Fitzsimmons greeted students, welcoming them as part of the university’s global community.

Shenandoah is a big family. You are now a part of that family.”

Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D. | President of Shenandoah University

In the midst of the challenges of a global pandemic, Fitzsimmons said the essentials of Shenandoah remain the same: a dedication to enhanced safety protocols, compassion, rigorous academics, and transformative educational experiences.

Dr. Chen emphasized the importance of corporate responsibility, sustainability, and individual responsibility in ethical business practice. She challenged students to consider the meaning of successful leadership. She said, for her, successful leaders are those individuals who have the capacity and the ability to inspire and empower others.

The goal of this program is to expand your mindset. Global perspectives refer not only to geographical boundaries but also to ideas and ideologies that frame the value of diverse opinions and the perspectives of others. Remember that executive learners learn from each other. You are here because you want to expand your network. Some of you are like-minded and some are not. Respect is an important part of the learning process, and you will grow as you encounter opinions and perspectives that are different from your own. Your role is to be engaged and participative learners. Reflection is as essential to executive learning as is your engagement as an active stakeholder in the learning process.”

Yvonne Chen, Ph.D., SU Global Program Founder

SU Global MBA is an executive-style MBA designed for students on track to assume key leadership roles, as well as those already in advanced roles in domestic or multinational organizations who are looking to expand their skill sets to better advance in managerial careers. Courses are conducted either in Mandarin or in English simultaneously translated into Mandarin. The coursework consists of a core business curriculum in key areas taught by distinguished full-time faculty from both AACSB-accredited Shenandoah University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

To learn more about Shenandoah University’s Global MBA programs in Asia Pacific, contact Ms. Yudi Chu, SU Global Initiatives Office, at GMBA@su.edu, 1-540-773-1206 or visit su.edu/global/