http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/ketr/local-ketr-914046.mp3
Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce awarded M.B.A degrees to 21 students in June, as part of an agreement reached last fall with International University in Sarajevo.
This was the first cohort of students A&M-Commerce has graduated from the program, which is taught by professors from both universities online and in the classroom.
A&M-Commerce is the third American school to partner with IUS over the program's five year span.
"The program is mature, it's self-sustaining." says A&M-Commerce President Dan Jones, speaking on KETR's President's Perspective. "It's the only accredited M.B.A program in that region of Eastern Europe."
The program initially started with funding from the Agency for International Development. Delaware University was the first American institution to partner with IUS; the second was Henderson State University in Arkansas.
Jones says the program adds another dimension to recovery for Bosnia, who suffered a great deal during war in the early 1990's.
"With our degree they [the students] can move forward and advance in their careers and, in the long term, they can really help make a difference in that nation, which is still struggling to get ahead," said Jones.
The President was in Sarajevo in June for the commencement ceremony, which was preceded by a stop in Hanoi, Vietnam. Officials there are interested in establishing a new university that is built along the American model of higher education. Dr. Jones hopes opportunities will soon arise for A&M-Commerce.
Above, listen to Jerrod Knight's complete conversation with Dr. Jones during Part 1 of the July edition of the President's Perspective, a monthly chat with the President and CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce.