Welcome to our fourth issue of Business@URI.  As I write this, we have just wrapped up the summer meeting of our Dean’s Advisory Council, with alumni coming from as far as California and China to guide the future of the College of Business Administration.  We are grateful for each of their contributions of wisdom, talent and connections.

This summer has been an exciting time in Ballentine Hall and around the world. For example, in June, we traveled to China to reaffirm our relationship with Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. We also initiated discussions for a dual degree program with another university in Shanghai. Looking to Europe, we are in early discussions with well-known universities in Poland and France.

Our presence in this global business climate is very strong, at a time when cultural diversity, understanding and acceptance are more urgent than ever. We are proud that the University is a place where students can come together in the classroom for meaningful connections and supportive growth towards personal and professional goals. And I’m pleased to say that this fall even more students will benefit as we welcome one of our largest incoming classes — more than 600 freshman.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and learn how the College is impacting the community, and businesses in the state and beyond. As always, I welcome your questions and feedback, (mebrahimpour@uri.edu).

Sincerely,

Dr. Maling Ebrahimpour
Dean of the College of Business Administration
The Alfred J. Verrecchia-Hasbro Leadership Chair