Shenandoah Celebrates Global MBA Commencement

Shenandoah University’s Global MBA program held its first in-person, post-pandemic commencement in December 2023 in Shanghai, China. Fifty students received their Master of Business Administration degree at the event, which also included a gathering of around 80 current students and alumni.

Yvonne Chen, Ph.D., founder and head of the SU Global MBA, presided over the commencement in Shanghai. Shenandoah President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., new Provost Karen Abraham, Ph.D. and Vice President for Administration and General Counsel Phil Evans, J.D., joined the commencement online via Zoom.

“Your professors have shared with me that they have gained something of value from teaching you; education in its best form goes both directions,” Dr. Fitzsimmons said in her address, in which she also said that one of her great pleasures was welcoming, in-person, two SU Global MBA students from China at Shenandoah’s commencement ceremony held on its main campus in Winchester, Virginia, in May 2023.

“The mission of SU Global has always been to bridge together two very different academic systems, cultures, languages, and thinking perspectives,” said Dr. Chen.

In her remarks, she not only congratulated the new graduates for overcoming unprecedented challenges to complete their program but also encouraged them to practice management that takes into consideration a long-term view, is ready for the AI revolution, marries tradition with innovation, cares about stakeholders (especially employees), and makes a positive impact on society.

“The SU Global MBA program has ignited a spark in each and every one of you that will ensure you continue to pursue educational opportunities as they present themselves, enjoying that special club of lifelong learners,” said Evans. He also encouraged the class to use their Global MBA education to “address increasingly difficult issues that we need to solve to ensure we leave the world a better place for the next generation.”

“Our goal for all of our students at Shenandoah is to heighten their critical thinking skills to help them become better leaders, more empathetic leaders – leaders who are creative, innovative and can lead our businesses,” said Fitzsimmons.

As part of her address, Fitzsimmons also announced a new SU Global program – a Global Doctor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership.

At commencement, three representatives from the SU Asia-Pacific Alumni Association shared their Global MBA experiences and how the program supported their individual career development. They encouraged the new graduates to be lifelong learners, as well.

To conclude the event, Chen and faculty advisor Dr. Juan Peng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, hosted the MBA hooding and award ceremony and celebrated all graduates’ achievements.