Spring 2005 - Strayer University

Ve r i z o n W i r e l e s s Wo r k F o r c e D e v e l o p m e n t • U n i v e r s i t y L a u n c h e s N e w A l u m n i P r o g r a m
2
Business Without Borders
By Dr. Eric Grosse, Dean of Academic Development and Training
A
ll the world is a stage for today’s business professionals.
Around the clock, some company somewhere is open for
business, and savvy executives know that one of the
companies making deals today could be tomorrow’s competition.
These professionals keep their fingers on the pulse of international
business through a global network of industry contacts and highspeed telecommunications technologies. In order to stay competitive,
they know they must generate sales and lower operating costs by
utilizing international resources and cultivating new global markets.
Companies can no longer avoid
engaging business colleagues from
around the world, either as collaborators or competitors. Demand for
products and services from emerging
markets like India, South Africa, and
China is thriving, and these regions
are potent competitors in their own
right.
With its online course offerings and
international business degree, Strayer
University is training a new generation
of workers who have the skills and
knowledge to succeed in the global
marketplace. At the forefront of
distance learning, Strayer University
Online provides students the opportunity to connect with the world
“Companies can no longer avoid engaging business colleagues
from around the world, either as collaborators or competitors.”
These changes mean today’s
workers must be more flexible than
ever. They must be able to cooperate
with people from various backgrounds
and collaborate in cross-cultural
teams. They must combine technological expertise with creative and
innovative approaches to the international business environment. As
national borders become less of a
barrier to business, the individuals
who stand to benefit most are those
who are socially, psychologically, and
educationally prepared for the global
economy.
community every time they attend an
online course. Interacting with classmates from around the world means
online students gain insight about
other cultures and other regions’ ways
of doing business. In addition, the
Internet-based delivery platform
familiarizes distance learners with
technology that is essential to every
professional job in the Information
Age.
Strayer University’s online and
campus locations offer a bachelor’s
degree in international business for
students who want to gain a thorough
understanding of global business,
management, marketing, finance, and
trade concepts. Courses such as International Business Environment (BUS
250), Fundamentals of Global
Management (ITB 300), and Essentials of Exporting and Importing (ITB
450) provide in-depth analyses of
worldwide business trends and help
students gain the decision-making and
problem-solving abilities necessary to
continually advance their careers.
This constant motion forward fuels
progress, making the business world
go round. One of the shrewdest
executives of all time, Thomas
Watson, Jr., former CEO of IBM and
son of the company’s founder, often
remarked that when a business or
individual thinks success has been
obtained, progress stops. Just as
companies must continually find new
markets and new ways of doing
business in order to succeed, professionals must be lifelong learners,
constantly striving to acquire new
skills and adapt to an ever-changing
global marketplace. ■
Publisher
Contents
Volume 8 Number 2
3
•
Spring 2005
Sonya G. Udler
Managing Editor
Features
Hannah Durocher
4 Going Global. Strayer University
graduate Dawn Dozier charts a
course to the top in the new
global economy
Contributors
Dr. Abed Almala
Rajeev Bansal
Leah Bland
Faisal Choudhury
Carolyn Clarke
Dr. Darcel Ford
Jennifer Freeman
Ted Freeman
Dr. Eric Grosse
David Moulton
Robin Nicol
Carol T. Williams
Michael O. Williams
Dr. A. Y. Zohny
6 Worldly Manners. A primer in
international business etiquette
7
12
Design and Layout
Sese-Paul Design
7 Window Shopping Online.
Companies can increase online
sales by catering to the concerns
of women buyers
9 It’s All About the Customer.
Verizon Wireless develops its
work force with the customer in
mind
University News
Cover Photograph
10 Strayer University Launches New
Alumni Program
John T. Consoli
Scholar magazine connects the Strayer University
community, reaching more than 45,000 students,
alumni, faculty, staff, and donors. The quarterly
magazine provides students and alumni information on University news, programs, activities
and feature articles with a focus on academic and
career issues.
Most articles and illustrative materials are
requested by the editor, but unsolicited submissions and photographs are welcome. Strayer
University reserves the right to edit all materials
submitted to the editor.
If you no longer wish to receive Scholar, or if you
would like to be added to the mailing list, please
contact Hannah Durocher at hannah.durocher@
strayer.edu.
Copyright © 2005 Strayer University
11 Survey Finds Alumni Excel in
Careers
12 Regional Commencements Offer
Convenience
13
ON THE COVER:
Dawn Dozier graduated from Strayer
University in 2004 with a Bachelor of
Science degree in economics. As a member
of the SAP Americas Sales Support Team for
IBM Global Services, Dozier is constantly
crossing time zones to meet with
colleagues and clients from every corner of
the globe. It was not easy catching her
between transnational flights, but Dozier
finally sat down with Scholar to share the
secret to success in an international
business world.
Photographed by John T. Consoli.
13 Reaching the Human Family
Profile
4
Going Global
Launching an International Business Career
A
new world of business opportunities opened for Dawn Dozier (BSE ’04) after
earning a college degree. Promoted from executive assistant to consultant,
Dozier now creates software implementation strategies for clients in North and
South America as a member of the SAP Americas Sales Support Team for IBM Business
Consulting Services, part of IBM Global Services.The team works closely with IBM counterparts in Africa, Asia, Europe, India, and the Middle East, making the global village a reality
every time Dozier powers up her laptop.
“Just calling into a teleconference is an international
experience,” says Dozier, who is based in Charlotte, N.C.,
but spends 200 days per year traveling. “My team includes
natives of France, Germany, South Africa, Japan, Britain,
India, and the United States, and we work with other teams
from every region in the world.”
Scheduling meetings across time zones, coordinating pay
scales for different countries, and incorporating the varied
perspectives of diverse individuals can create interesting
challenges. But, Dozier contends, working with people from
different backgrounds is ultimately a strength. “It helps us
understand and be open-minded about other cultures,
which is essential for anyone involved in international
business,” she says.
The days when professionals worked the same job with
the same local coworkers for 30 years are gone. Today’s
business people must be able to collaborate with clients and
colleagues around the world. Dozier says the best strategy
for interacting with people from diverse cultures is to never
place them in a box.
“Treat people as individuals and do not attribute their
personal traits to their entire culture,” she suggests. “Classifying people based on their backgrounds only causes
misunderstanding and distrust.”
Global Approach
Developing trusting relationships with coworkers and
customers is key for Dozier’s team when customizing
client-specific software implementations. SAP technology,
which is enterprise resource planning software for managing
finances, human resources, inventory, and other functions, is
tailored to the needs of each client, making every project
different. Dozier and her team develop SAP implementation strategies for large multinational corporations, and
the seamless integration of technology across international
borders involves constant communication between the
implementation team, the parent company, and its sites
abroad.
“For a global company, common processes, data
standards, program management standards, and technical
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
5
infrastructures must exist in every
country, despite differences in
language, currency, and
technology,” Dozier explains. “Each
system must interact globally,
without losing information because
of different countries’ nuances.”
The SAP Americas Sales Support
Team also runs across a common
challenge for global companies:
dealing with laws and regulations
in foreign nations. IBM, one of the
world’s largest multinational corporations, has the advantage of
maintaining offices in most of the
countries in which it does business.
This multinational presence saves
time that otherwise would be lost
importing personnel and training
them in local laws, or retaining area
professionals and teaching them
the company’s objectives and
needs. Having branch offices in each area reduces the need
for knowledge transfer and improves rapport with local
customers.
Indeed, IBM Business Consulting Services’ approach has
been so successful it has implemented SAP software for
some of the world’s largest multinationals, including major
pharmaceutical, consumer products, technology, aerospace,
and defense companies. It was the sole recipient of the
2003 SAP Award of Excellence, conferred by the system’s
manufacturer, Germany-based SAP.
Born to Business
If the fast-paced milieu of global business is a world away
from where Dozier grew up, it is also something of a
birthright for the Colorado native. With a father whose
position at IBM meant the family moved every two years
(employees’ families wryly called the company “I’ve Been
Moved”), Dozier seems born to excel in the global marketplace. After IBM acquired the consulting arm of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was part of the
Managed Consulting Services Division, Dozier knew that in
order to transition to the SAP consultant position she
desired, she would have to complete her degree.
Dozier had taken classes one or two at a time since
leaving high school, but was always too busy with work to
finish her degree. Once she had a specific career goal in
sight, she put all extracurricular activities on hold and
devoted every free minute to obtaining a diploma. At first,
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
Dozier enrolled in a traditional university that did not offer
many evening classes.
“The university did nothing to accommodate my
schedule as a working adult,” she recalls. “At the pace I was
going, it would have taken many more years to earn a
degree, and I became completely frustrated with the traditional university experience.” Having heard of Strayer
University through friends, Dozier went to visit the North
Charlotte Campus and decided to enroll in online classes.
“Strayer University’s online courses allowed me to
continue my frequent business travel while studying,”
Dozier says. “The only problem was packing—a carry-on
gets very heavy when filled with textbooks!”
Undeterred by the heavy lifting, Dozier plans to return
to school later this year to earn an advanced degree. Dozier
says she is inspired by the opportunities that have come her
way since earning a diploma, including a promotion
announced immediately after finishing finals in December.
Her team members at IBM Business Consulting Services
have been supportive of her educational goals, and Dozier
has referred two colleagues to Strayer University who are
now taking classes online.
“Online education is truly the answer for international
business professionals who want to earn a degree,” Dozier
contends. “No matter your background or personal history,
earning an education online will deepen your understanding
of the world and put you in closer touch with the global
family.” ■
6
Worldly Manners
International Business Etiquette
By Carol T. Williams, Campus Dean, Chesterfield Campus (Richmond, Va.)
It is no longer,“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” but rather,“When working with
the Romans, learn what makes them feel at home.” Global trade is expanding and it
makes sense to learn the codes of conduct for dealing with foreign business people.
Rules that govern socially acceptable behavior vary from country to country with significant differences in public behavior, business dress, norms for addressing others,
acceptable conversation,appointment-setting,successful entertaining,and appropriate
gift-giving.
Consider Latin American countries, which are
relaxed about scheduled appointments. The American
business person is wise to inquire if the appointment
is at the prompt “English hour” or the “Latin hour,”
in which it is not considered rude to arrive half an
hour or more after the designated time. Asians view
lateness as an insult, but are similar to Latin
Americans in that they place more value on developing long-lasting relationships with company
representatives than on signing contracts. In Germany,
tardiness is unacceptable, but in France ten minutes
late is the same as being on time. In Israel, lateness is
viewed the same as in the United States, while in
Australia, it can be interpreted as either acceptable
or unacceptable depending on the region, firm, or
individuals involved.
Two-sided business cards, with the foreign language
on one side and English on the other, are helpful to
establishing cordial international business relations.
So is using the proper protocol when presenting the
card, which should be handed over with the foreign
printed side up and facing the receiver. Great care
should be taken when using colored business
cards or presentation handouts because colors
mean different things in different cultures.
Gift-giving rules can be especially confusing.
In the United Arab Emirates, giving a valuable
gift is important, yet almost every gift costs
less there than in the United States. A carpet
is an ideal gift, but it must be handmade.
Flowers given as a gift in Russia should be
presented only to females and must
be colorful but not “romantic” reds.
Also, give flowers in odd numbers
because even numbers are for funerals. Red is a perfectly
acceptable color for flowers given to men in Asian
countries, where it is the color of luck. In these cultures,
a thank-you note for a gift should be attached to a
present of equal or greater value than the one received.
Timing the presentation of gifts is also important. In
Germany, gifts are typically presented after the contract
is signed and the more public the presentation, the
more expensive the gift.
In China, the word “no” should be avoided at all
costs. For example, while an American publisher might
write a straightforward letter of rejection, a Chinese
publisher would take a less direct approach. With his
code of “saving face,” the Chinese publisher might
write a long and positively glowing letter about the
rejected manuscript explaining that the writing is
simply so superb it would cause every other writer to
lose face; therefore it is too good to publish. Any loss
of face or dignity is a deal-breaker in this country.
Large firms have the financial resources to
develop training courses in international decorum,
courtesies, and customs, but how do smaller
businesses train their employees? The World
Wide Web offers sites with business etiquette
information on almost every country. Some have
general information while others offer reasonably
priced texts that contain comprehensive and
country-specific customs and protocols. ■
Carol T. Williams has developed marketing plans
for firms entering foreign markets and been
involved in precious metal imports from
Africa. She teaches international business
at Strayer University.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
7
Window Shopping Online
By Dr. Darcel Ford, Adjunct Faculty, King of Prussia Campus (Philadelphia, Pa.)
T
he adage that women love to shop does not hold
true when it comes to Internet shopping. In a recent
survey of 134 men and 217 women from diverse
ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, I found that while
both men and women have reservations about Internet
purchasing, women are less likely to shop online and are
more anxious about buying from overseas businesses. The
extensive purchasing power of this demographic means
women are a major untapped source of online revenue for
businesses who want to sell more goods to customers in
other countries. To mine this potential, marketers must
understand what motivates women who shop online, and
what deters the women who do not.
One major difference between male and female online
shoppers is women’s need for high-quality visuals of
products or services. This supports the accepted notion that
men enter a store with a particular purchase in mind, while
women enjoy window shopping. Marketers and Web
designers would be wise to make sites geared toward female
shoppers appealing with plenty of attractive images.
Customer service is an important factor influencing both
men’s and women’s decisions to purchase online. Because
high-quality service builds brand loyalty—an essential
component of marketing success—companies need to focus
on improving customer relations. As the number of online
shops increases, a company must continue to differentiate
itself through better and more personalized customer
service and interactive Web sites.
Most important, companies must increase the security of
online transactions and effectively communicate about
security issues with their customers. Security of online
transactions was named as the number one concern for
both men and women. Women were more likely to express
anxiety about sharing sensitive personal information over
the Internet and purchasing from international Web sites,
where security measures were perceived to be lower.
To boost the confidence of women shoppers, companies
should:
• Join organizations that verify security standings.
• Provide accurate and comprehensive information about the
security of the site’s online purchasing.
• Supply written statements ensuring that private information
will not be shared with other companies.
• Describe precedents for settling matters such as Internet fraud,
identity theft, and cross-border disputes between companies
and dissatisfied customers.
Initiatives aimed at addressing the concerns of women
shoppers can help get these customers out of the
department stores and onto the Internet. Savvy international businesses who cater to the online needs of women
can expect a major boost to their bottom lines. ■
Dr. Darcel Ford holds a doctorate degree in information systems
management. She teaches science, math, and technology at Strayer
University.
A Small Business World
The Internet and the advent of better and cheaper telecommunications technologies have leveled the playing
field so that globalization is no longer solely the domain of giant corporations. Today, many small and medium
businesses are tapping into the opportunities presented by exporting to overseas markets. According to the
Small Business Administration (SBA), the number of U.S. companies sending products and services abroad has
tripled since 1990, and two-thirds of that increase is attributed to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The
SBA provides a comprehensive guide for small businesses looking to export products or form joint ventures
overseas at www.sba.gov.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
8
International Negotiations
One Goal, Different Styles
By Ted Freeman, Adjunct Faculty, Shelby Oaks Campus (Memphis, Tenn.)
Have you ever tried to go to lunch with a group of coworkers, but no one could agree
on a restaurant? This situation arises because individuals have different tastes that are
the result of a lifetime’s worth of experiences and formed opinions. Now imagine the
same situation involving a group of people from various countries and cultures.
Reaching consensus becomes exponentially more complicated. Change the setting to
a high-stakes business transaction and the fundamental difficulty with international
negotiations becomes apparent: each party has its own culturally-influenced method for
reaching a deal.
Starting negotiations on the
right foot means understanding
and adapting to foreign
business customs. In other parts
of the world, doing things the
“American way” can seem
simply rude. In many Latin
American cultures, for
example, getting straight to
business is considered quite
annoying. A certain amount of
small talk is expected to break
the ice and create a relaxed
atmosphere. In some Asian
countries, a person’s name or a
contract should never be
written in red. Red ink is reserved for recording the names
of the dead, and it is considered extremely bad luck to
write a living person’s name in this color.
Once negotiations have begun, you may be presented
with tactics you find quite unusual. In Western cultures, for
example, it is considered bad form to shout at a potential
business partner during the negotiation process, but Russian
wheeling and dealing routinely includes emotional
outbursts, pressuring tactics, and sometimes even threats.
There is a world of difference between understanding a
negotiating style and following suit. Instead, recognize the
tactic for what it is—a ploy to gain advantage—and do all
you can to keep the negotiations on track.
Once a contract is signed it may seem that the negotiation process is over, but this is not always the case. In some
cultures a written contract is
considered binding while in
others it is simply a guideline.
Periodically revisiting the
agreement with a partner and
making expectations clear will
help avoid this potential pitfall.
In addition, be sure that you
have made an agreement with
the right person or parties. In
many areas of the world only
the most senior representative’s
assent counts as the final
conclusion to negotiations.
In the effort to become
informed about foreign rules of
negotiation, there is never a substitute for experience.
Therefore, make the most of local experts. Finding a native
business guide will help with more than translations; the
right local assistant can school you in proper etiquette, aid
during negotiations, and work as an in-country advocate
after a final deal has been struck.
With the many unexpected hazards that can arise during
international business deals, it is important to be aware and
prepared. And no matter how heated the negotiations
become, be grateful you are not battling with coworkers
over where to eat lunch! ■
Ted Freeman is international global program service administrator
for FedEx Express. He holds a master’s degree in international
business and teaches business at Strayer University.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
9
Verizon Wireless
Work Force
Development
It’s All About the Customer
iving customers the best wireless
experience available is the driving force
behind employee training and development at Verizon Wireless. Whether a
customer is shopping at one of the
company’s 1,900 communications stores,
making a wireless call or contacting
customer service for assistance, Verizon Wireless is
committed to providing superior service and ensuring a
high level of customer satisfaction.
To fulfill that commitment, the company provides a
comprehensive training
curriculum designed to equip
employees with the knowledge
and skills they need to deliver
an outstanding customer
experience. Customer service
representatives in Verizon
Wireless call centers, who are
the front-line in the company’s
efforts to provide superior service, complete a six-week
training program that includes classroom instruction and
role-playing customer call scenarios before ever interacting
with customers. Training continues during the first few
weeks on the job when customer service reps handle actual
calls with a coach nearby to ensure they are providing
accurate information and meeting the company’s quality
requirements.
“We have developed a unique training model, based on
call types, to optimize customer satisfaction,” says Lou
Tedrick, director of work force development. “In addition to
initial training, reps receive continuing instruction each
month to enhance their skills and learn about new products
and services as they roll out.”
Tedrick points out that customer service is part of every
job at Verizon Wireless regardless of whether employees are
dealing directly with customers. “We weave a customer
mindset into all of our training,” she says. “Some
engineering and network programs are highly specialized
and technical, some advanced sales courses cater to
business-to-business pros, others are taught by vendors
because they have expertise that is not readily available inhouse, but the purpose behind all training is to deliver the
G
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
best wireless experience to customers.”
In addition to specific job training, Verizon Wireless
offers courses that help develop employees’ management
skills and leadership abilities. One of the most popular is
“Plan Your Career,” which combines online self-assessment
of an employee’s skills and interests with a classroom
experience in which an instructor helps interpret the selfassessment. Back on the job, an employee’s manager
provides realistic feedback about how to fill gaps in
knowledge, skills, and experience to
help achieve career goals.
“Our philosophy about career
development is based on shared
responsibility,” Tedrick notes. “We
urge employees to ‘own their careers’
and pursue the skills they need for
advancement, and we encourage
managers to support employees and
coach them as they work toward their goals. Verizon
Wireless also offers a tuition assistance plan to help
employees cover the costs of college courses in job-related
programs of study.”
Identifying and developing leadership capabilities in
employees is an important element of work force development at Verizon Wireless that helps enhance employees’
effectiveness on the job. Leadership courses range from
classes that help workers build skills for a near-term supervisory position, to a curriculum for managers spanning all
aspects of responsible management, including coaching
classes customized for a particular work environment like a
call center or retail operation. For mid-level managers,
seminars focus on understanding financials and coaching
the coach.
“The company’s success in the marketplace begins with
well-trained employees who have the tools and focus
necessary to be the best,” Tedrick says. “That is why training
and development at Verizon Wireless is all about the
customer.” ■
Strayer University partners with Verizon Wireless to educate the
Verizon Wireless work force.
10
Connected, We Can
Make a Difference
Strayer University Launches New Alumni Program
By Michael O. Williams, Director of Alumni Affairs
F
ew things last a lifetime, but the special relationship between Strayer
University and its alumni is one of them. No matter how long it has
been since graduation, alumni from campus and online programs will
always be members of the Strayer University family and are welcome to use
the University’s resources. We value our alumni and want to continue to be
active participants in their lives.That is why we are very excited about our new
program, Alumni NetWorks.
Michael O. Williams
The mission of the program is:
To establish opportunities for Strayer
University alumni to stay connected to the
University family and remain on the
cutting edge of business and technology.
Alumni NetWorks, which was designed with
the input of a focus group composed of Strayer
University graduates, will build a strong professional and personal network of University alumni
that will foster continuous learning and mutual
development. The program will be spearheaded
by an advisory council of alumni who will meet
quarterly to discuss ways the University can best
meet the needs of its graduates. The advisory
council will address opportunities relevant to the
careers of our educated professionals, such as
business alliances, professional development,
community outreach, and lifelong learning.
The Alumni NetWorks program can be reached
at alumninetworks@strayer.edu.
Alumni NetWorks Web Site
Strayer University alumni now have a virtual
meeting place at the Alumni NetWorks Web site.
Located at http://alumninetworks.strayer.edu,
this site serves as a nexus for activities, programs,
and services that benefit alumni. The site also
links to the Alumni NetWorks Directory, where
graduates can register or update their profiles to
gain access to news and contact information for
fellow alums, and can enjoy professional
networking opportunities. This is a highly secure
database that can only be viewed by Strayer
University alumni.
To take advantage of these services and
become an active member of Alumni NetWorks
you must first activate your status in the
directory. Go to http://alumninetworks.
strayer.edu to access the link to the Alumni
NetWorks Directory. Your updated personal and
professional information is essential to keep you
connected to the Strayer University family and
on the cutting edge of business and technology
that affect your careers and communities.
Connected, we can make a difference. ■
Michael O. Williams graduated from Strayer University’s
MBA program in 1995.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
Survey Finds Alumni Excel in Careers
employed and 72%
Average Salary by Degree & Major
indicated that their
Associate’s
degree had had a
Bachelor’s
80,000
positive impact on
Master’s
70,000
their careers.
60,000
50,000
Strayer University
40,000
alumni are earning
30,000
an average salary of
20,000
$56,598 annually,
10,000
0
with substantial
Computer Technology
Accounting*
Business/Economics
Major
variance in average
salaries based on
the highest degree * Insufficient data to report associate-level Accounting graduates
earned and field of
study.
older with an associate’s degree earn
The survey found that Strayer
$37,482, with a bachelor’s degree
University graduates with an
earn $53,356, and with a master’s
associate’s degree earn an average of
degree earn $62,820. The comparison
$47,872, with a bachelor’s degree
between Strayer University alumni
earn $55,602, and with a master’s
and national averages highlights the
degree earn $62,653 annually. Of the
success of the University’s graduates
total respondents, 6.2% reported
in the work force. Earning a degree
earning more than $100,000 annually.
from Strayer University has helped
According to the U.S. Census
alumni earn higher salaries and
Bureau, U.S. workers 25 years and
advance their careers. ■
Average Annual Salary ($)
A
survey of recent graduates
shows that Strayer University
alumni are satisfied with their
educational experience and are
excelling in their careers. The study
was part of the University’s
continuing effort to measure and
assess its effectiveness at helping
students meet their professional goals.
More than 400 alumni who
graduated from Strayer University
between July 1, 2003, and June 30,
2004, completed an online questionnaire about the influence of a Strayer
University education on their professional lives. Respondents were also
asked about their overall experience
at the University, which more than
79% rated as good or excellent. Two
out of three alumni indicated that
they would recommend Strayer
University to their friends and
colleagues.
The survey found that more than
90% of alumni are currently
Library News
I
n its ongoing effort to provide
more learning resources to
students, Strayer University has
strengthened its support of campus
Learning Resource Centers (LRC)
through the establishment of a new
position, assistant librarian, in each
region. This position, which requires a
master’s degree in library science, will
work with the regional academic
deans and the director of libraries to
bolster information literacy activities,
train staff, and develop relationships
with local and regional libraries.
In addition to adding this extra
layer of support, the LRCs have rolled
out an information literacy program to
acquaint students in selected classes
with the wealth of online and print
resources available through Strayer
University’s campus LRCs. During the
Winter Quarter, LRC managers made
presentations in over 250 classes and
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
invited students to tour the campus
LRC so they can explore available
resources in more depth. These tours
are available to anyone and can be
arranged by calling your campus’
LRC.
LRC International Business
Resources
For students interested in international business, there are a variety of
resources available on the LRC Web
site, http://studentserver.strayer.edu/
CONT_STD/LIBS/libs2.htm.
EBSCOHost gives students access to
current and archived issues of premier
business journals such as International
Journal of Business Studies, International Studies of Management &
Organization, and Multinational
Monitor. Leading newspapers with
extensive international coverage, such
as The Washington Post, New York
Times, Wall Street Journal, and Los
Angeles Times, can be searched via the
ProQuest database. These services
require a valid Strayer University
student identification number.
World Wide Web International
Business Resources
Global Edge
http://globaledge.msu.edu/ibrd/
ibrd.asp
World Biz
www.worldbiz.com
International Business Forum
www.ibf.com
Overseas Security and Advisory
Council
www.ds-osac.org
Economic Development Directory
www.ecodevdirectory.com ■
11
Regional Commencements
Offer Convenience
Photograph by David O’Connell for Legacy Photography.
12
Strayer University President Dr. J. Chris Toe speaks at the 2004
Commencement Ceremonies in Fairfax, Va.
T
his year, graduates and their families will
not have to travel far to attend graduation.
For the first time ever, Strayer University is
hosting regional commencement ceremonies to
better accommodate graduates and their guests.
Two ceremonies will be held at the Patriot
Center in Fairfax, Va.; one at the Baltimore
Convention Center in Baltimore, Md.; and one
at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in
Richmond, Va. Students are assigned to a
ceremony based on the proximity of the location
to their home campus.
Preparing to participate in commencement
is now easier than ever with the online
Commencement Ceremony Registration Web
site at http://studentserver.strayer.edu/
commencement.html. This site is the entry point
for students to register to attend the ceremony,
request tickets, and order their caps and gowns.
Registration, which is a new requirement this
year, is free for students who register on time.
More information, including registration
deadlines, is available on the Commencement
Ceremony Registration Web site.
Virtual Commencement
Students who have designated Strayer University
Online as their home campus will be included
in the Virtual Commencement Ceremony. The
online commencement ceremony has its own
keynote speaker, virtual degree presentations, and
other features that bring the spirit of graduation
into the homes of Strayer University Online
students and their guests. This year’s keynote
speaker, Michael A. Daniels, is former chairman
and CEO of Network Solutions and former
senior vice president of Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC). View his
speech in June, when the 2005 Virtual
Commencement Ceremony will be available
on the Strayer University Web site. ■
Strayer Arrives in the Sunshine State
Sun, fun, and evening classes! Strayer University’s
two newest campuses, Tampa East and Tampa
Westshore, are now open for the Spring Quarter.
The Tampa East Campus is run by Regional Dean
Joyce Mayfield and Campus Director Robin Gage,
and can be reached at 813.663.0100. Tampa
Westshore is run by Dean Dr. Tameria Vickerson
and Director Deb Sawyer, and is available at
813.882.0100. Students in the area should stop
by the campuses for a look at what Strayer
University’s Florida locations have to offer. ■
The Tampa, Fla., skyline.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
Reaching the
Human Family
1
2
Photographs by Kilian Songwe.
T
he shrinking global village means citizens have
greater responsibilities as well as opportunities. Kilian
Songwe, an adjunct faculty member at Strayer
University, recently visited Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria, and
Togo with the organization he founded, called A Global
Healthcare Public Foundation. Their mission: to provide
medical equipment, supplies, and technical training to
healthcare providers working to reduce and prevent the
spread of HIV/AIDS in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. The
foundation also facilitates educational opportunities for
children orphaned by the disease.
“With 40 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS,
we must confront tough questions,” says Songwe. “What do
we do about orphaned and vulnerable children? How do
we address poverty, shortened life expectancy, and
increased school drop out rates? Africa, the continent
hardest hit by the epidemic, needs a comprehensive prevention and treatment program now to help save the work
force of 2010.” To learn more, visit www.aglobalhf.org. ■
3
1. Dr. Ngwabaa Ngwa answers an emergency call at the Community Health Center
in Small Soppo, Cameroon. 2. Nurse Jocelyne Gnansounou attends to a patient
at the Institut Population et Sante-Cabinet Medical Don Divin in Cotonu, Benin.
3. Kilian Songwe, Strayer University adjunct professor, surrounded by orphaned
and vulnerable children at Foundation Fact in Vog-Ada, Cameroon.
Navigating the Legal Maze of International Trade
By Dr. A.Y. Zohny, Associate Campus Dean, Alexandria Campus (Alexandria, Va.)
N
avigating the maze of international trade is a
challenging and exciting undertaking, but it can
be a cumbersome and costly process without the
counsel and advice of an international business lawyer
(IBL). These specialized lawyers are experienced at
planning, negotiating, implementing, and settling international business transaction conflicts through alternative
dispute resolution strategies.
Noncompliance with import or export laws, tariff classification, customs valuation, preference programs, and country
of origin and marking determinations can lead an international business into troubled waters. IBLs coach or work
with other players, such as industry specialists, customs
service officials, import specialists and auditors, licensed
customs brokers, freight forwarders, insurance specialists,
and foreign trade zone and warehouse operation specialists
to resolve legal problems.
IBLs have played increasingly prominent roles in international business since the establishment of the World Trade
Organization in 1995, which created a complex maze of
rules governing international trade and investment. Thorny
legal issues, such as the establishment of a foreign direct
investment by a strategic business alliance of several corpoSCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
rations from different countries,
or a liability case for a product
whose parts are manufactured
under eight separate legal systems,
require the collaboration of
multiple IBLs with expertise in
various national and international
statutes.
Because social environment—
whether a culture is predominantly
Dr. A. Y. Zohny
socialist, capitalist, or Islamic—
affects laws, knowledge of local
customs and mores is essential to the success of an IBL. It is
also essential for the employees of an international business,
and an IBL can play a pivotal role in guiding corporate
executives and other workers to better understand and
adapt to foreign ways of doing business. ■
Dr. A. Y. Zohny is an international lawyer and a member of the
Washington, D.C., bar. He holds a master of law (LLM) degree in
international business and a doctorate degree in public and international affairs. Dr. Zohny teaches business and law at Strayer
University.
14
Strayer University Fall 2004
Scholarship Recipients
T
he Strayer University Educational Foundation would like to thank the many
individuals who have made generous donations to the scholarship fund throughout
the years. These contributions helped make education a reality for students who
otherwise might not have had the opportunity to earn a degree. Congratulations to recipients of the Fall 2004 Scholarship Awards, listed below.
Going forward, the Bailey Family Foundation will carry on the tradition of awarding
scholarships to deserving students. Founded in 1996 by Strayer University Past President
Ron K. Bailey, the foundation offers scholarship programs to high school seniors and
current college students of any age with demonstrated scholastic achievement and
financial need. A limited number of these scholarships are reserved for Strayer University
students. To learn more, visit the Bailey Family Foundation Web site at www.baileyfamily.org.
GEORGIA
Cobb County Campus
Shawna Dix
Carolyn Pooler
MARYLAND
Anne Arundel Campus
Erica Colbert
Debra Mccormack
Joe Villarreal
Toni Wooden
Montgomery Campus
Taniesha Grant
Tarana Hudson
Owings Mills Campus
Oscar Blanco
Jacqueline Joy
Prince George’s Campus
Alescia Chapman
Pamela Edwards
Frederick Thompson
White Marsh Campus
Kristie Collins
Tonya Pettit
NORTH CAROLINA
Cary Campus
Teia Henderson
Essence Miller
Nicole Sawyer
Angela Walters
North Charlotte Campus
Charai Love
Jerome Motley
North Raleigh Campus
Chenoa Grant
Katrina Hunter
South Charlotte Campus
Joshua Barnes
Tonya Jackson
PENNSYLVANIA
Delaware County Campus
Amanda Freitick
Jack Willis
Lower Bucks County Campus
Laura Haire
Laura Scarcelle
SOUTH CAROLINA
Greenville Campus
Colin Hobby
Candace Thompson
STRAYER UNIVERSITY ONLINE
Raul Correa
Erika Gideon
Graciela Guerra
Brenda Henderson
Jessica Luukkonen
Chun Yu Ng
Daniel Yoon
TENNESSEE
Nashville Campus
Ela Gjeci
Toni Inman
Shelby Oaks Campus
Cindy Berryman
Catrina Bulloch
Pamela Caruso
Thousand Oaks Campus
Christy Isom
Tracy Smith
VIRGINIA
Alexandria Campus
Abigail Leak
Jenelle Leisenring
Syed Shah
Arlington Campus
Michaelle Anthony
Jamal Benkhraba
Lissette Vera
Chesapeake Campus
Tarmartive Bryant
Sharla Knight
Judith Stafford
Chesterfield Campus
Joshua Addison
David Brown
Linda Chopfield
Kathy Robles
Fredericksburg Campus
Lorena Bruner
Mary Dodd
Henrico Campus
Lisa Froelich
Tanya Newland
Kitrinka Serrano
Loudoun Campus
Shane Lomelin
Barbara Smith
Manassas Campus
Benedicta Ofori
Joseph Walthour
Newport News Campus
Amani Edwards
Tanika Feaster
Ladonna Pond
Jessica Smith
Woodbridge Campus
Chantal Almonord
Kristina Tucker
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Takoma Park Campus
Kwamena Acquah
Lori Prince
Eiman Yousif
Washington Campus
Ryan Branum
Xiaoquan Li
Yewande Seymour
Fan Yang
Alumni, Students, and Faculty…Send Us Your News
Send us your news…Do you have professional or personal news to share
with the Strayer University community? Let us know about your achievements (career changes, educational advancements, promotions, and other
life experiences). Please provide as much detail and information as possible.
MAIL
FAX
E-MAIL
Scholar
Strayer University
2121 15th St. North, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Attn: Hannah Durocher
703.741.3712
hannah.durocher@strayer.edu
Thank you for contributing. Strayer University reserves the right to edit all
materials used in Scholar.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
Alumni, Student
and Campus News
MARYLAND
Montgomery Campus
■ Robert Shultz was named
campus director.
Owings Mills Campus
■ Barry Thomas was named
acting campus dean.
Prince George’s Campus
■ Sana Chaudry was named
campus director.
White Marsh Campus
■ Ruth Butler was named campus
director.
NORTH CAROLINA
Cary Campus
■ Dr. Donald West was named
campus dean.
■ Michael Sawyer (MBA ’04),
who is a credit card systems
analyst for BB&T, has been
accepted to the law school at
North Carolina Central
University.
PENNSYLVANIA
Delaware County Campus
■ Eliza Alden was named campus
director.
STRAYER UNIVERSITY ONLINE
■ Patrick Bishop (BSBA ’98) is an
entrepreneur marketing
handmade jewelry.
■ Aileen Christina Stafford
(AACM ’04) is a management
analyst for the Defense
Contract Management Agency
and is pursuing a bachelor’s
degree in international business.
VIRGINIA
Arlington Campus
■ Dan Jackson was named
campus director.
■ Kenneth R. Dorsey (MSBA
’92), who is a telecommunica-
tions duty officer with the
Central Intelligence Agency,
recently earned a master’s
degree in strategic communication and leadership.
■ Kellie McBee (BSBA ’86) is a
health professions instructor at
Carolina High and Academy of
Pre-Engineering Technology
and Health Professions in
Greenville, S.C. She is pursuing
a master’s degree in instructional technology and design.
Chesterfield Campus
■ Carol Williams was named
campus dean.
■ Anna Duncan (MSCT ’04) is a
finalist for the Presidential
Management Fellows Program,
which provides outstanding
graduate students with
employment in growth
positions in the Executive
Branch of the U.S. Federal
Government. Duncan is
currently administrative officer
for the Logistics Management
Proponency Office of the
U.S. Army.
Fredericksburg Campus
■ Kevin Cavanaugh (BSCS ’95)
was promoted to technology
operations/production specialist
for Humana Inc. Cavanaugh is
pursuing a master’s degree in
information technology
management.
■ Christopher Mitchell (BSBA
and BSCIS ’00) earned a juris
doctor degree with a certificate
in intellectual property, and is
now licensed to practice law in
Washington, D.C., and Ohio.
Mitchell recently joined the
Washington law firm Staas and
Halsey LLP as an associate
attorney.
SCHOLAR ■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 2005
Loudoun Campus
■ Allen Byram (BSCN ’01) works
as an IT computer specialist for
the Federal Emergency
Management Agency in the
Department of Homeland
Security.
■ Leman Jessel (BSBA ’04) is
pursuing an MBA through
Strayer University while
running a business, Cascos
Home Improvement.
■ Jeanine Miller (ABA ’00) works
for First National Bank and has
received a promotion since
graduation.
Manassas Campus
■ Isaac Christoffersen (BSCS ’04)
is employed by Booz Allen
Hamilton.
Newport News Campus
■ Constance Arter was named
campus director.
■ Nicole Myers (BSBA ’04) is
pursuing a master’s degree in
health services management.
Woodbridge Campus
■ Mark Broughton (MSBA ’99) is
Chief Instructor, 5th Degree
Black Belt, International Judge
at the Karate for Kids Family
Center.
■ Eric Infanti (DCIS
’92) is a technical
author who wrote
10 Minute Guide
to Microsoft Visio
2002, one of Amazon.com’s
best selling Visio software
books.
■ Careka C. Squire
(MBA ’04) is
owner and CEO of
Naturally Me
Publishers, which
published Squire’s book of
poetry, Captured Silence: A
15
Collection of Poems, this year.
Squire is also project control
analyst for Williams
Engineering.
■ Richard DeMeyere (BSBA ’95)
earned an MBA and is now
director of facilities
management for Occidental
College in Los Angeles.
■ Les Stovall (BSCN ’04) has
started a consulting firm,
Security First Consulting,
specializing in information
security.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Takoma Park Campus
■ Manvell Lessane (MSCT ’03)
has earned two promotions and
is now information technology
engineer team leader for the
Department of Homeland
Security.
■ Elahe Nazemoff (MSIS ’93) is
president and CEO of
DataTech Enterprises, a project
management firm that was
listed as number two on the
Fast Growth 100 List compiled
by http://CRN.com.
Washington Campus
■ Chaouki Jadaa (BSCS ’99)
works as a project manager for
EDS Electronic Data Systems
in the United Arab Emirates.
■ Lyonel LaGrone (MBA ’04) is
enforcement coordinator for
the Fair Housing Council of
Montgomery County and is a
national market research
consultant for the National Fair
Housing Alliance.
■ Sara Qadir (BSCN ’03) is a
management and program
analyst under the Outstanding
Scholar's Program for the Institutional Development and
Undergraduate Education
Services program for the Office
of Post Secondary Education in
the United States Department
of Education.
ANNOUNCING THE NEW
STRAYER UNIVERSITY GIFT SHOP
The one-stop source for all of your Strayer gear.
PROFESSIONAL
KID’S WEAR
OUTER WEAR
CASUAL WEAR
OFFICE
TOYS
Get into gear by choosing from a wide range of clothing, gifts and
accessories. Brand name and designer goods will be updated frequently,
so check back often for the latest fashions and designs. Go to
GIFTSHOP.STRAYER.EDU
SHIRTS
BAGS
Strayer University
2121 15th Street North, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
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