Missouri State > International Business Programs > Message From The Director
International Business Programs
Message From The Director
In a world often described as borderless, increases in international trade and investment propelled by multinational corporations are everyday phenomena. These developments create an urgent need for managers, professionals, and other personnel essential to guide the destiny of organizations worldwide. The mission of the International Business Programs (IBP) in the College of Business Administration (COBA) at Missouri State University (Missouri State) is to help students, faculty, and the business community develop and strengthen their international understanding and economic competitiveness.
Dr. Yohannan Abraham, Director
International Business Programs
The impetus for IBP came about as a result of a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education's Business & International Education Program under Title VI-B of the Higher Education Act. The two-year grant (1997-99) has helped IBP accomplish its mission towards the goal of strengthening the Nation's capacity to compete in the global market. To this end, Missouri State has entered into partnerships with a network of overseas educational institutions to promote student/faculty exchanges and student internships. To further the cause of globalization, IBP networks with a number of internal and external entities such as the Springfield Small Business Development Center/St. Louis World Trade Center Satellite, the Greater Ozarks International Trade Association and Missouri State's Modern & Classical Languages Department, Political science Department, and Agriculture Department.
The IBP efforts also will be augmented significantly with the generous support provided by Missouri State alumnus Mr. David D. Glass (former CEO and President of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) through the David D. Glass Lecture Series in International Business Endowment.
IBP, is appreciative of the support and collaboration of external and internal benefactors, faculty, students, the business community; International partners, and to President Michael Nietzel, Provost Belinda McCarthy, and Dean Ronald Bottin of the College of Business Administration who have made a strong commitment to make international business education a top priority at Missouri State University as it faces the challenges of the 21st century.
- Yohannan T. Abraham, Director, IBP