Mark Wellman Receives CIBER Award for Teaching Innovation in Global Learning

The Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is pleased to announce that Mark Wellman, clinical professor of management and organization, is the recipient of the inaugural CIBER Award for Teaching Innovation in Global Learning. The award aims to recognize a Smith faculty member who has demonstrated a commitment to teaching for a global mindset, meaning an openness to and awareness of diversity across cultures and markets.

A student who participated in one of his programs described the impact of their experience: “This will go down as one of the most rewarding experiences in college for me, if not my life, and I have him to thank for engineering an incredible program, where I made great friends and had the time of my life on the other side of the world.”

“The experience has truly bolstered my personal and professional profile ever since my return to America, even though it was only two weeks,” described another student participant of Wellman’s programs. “I have been extensively asked about my time in Australia during job interviews after recruiters see it on my resume. The fact that I have multiple key takeaways on deck that I still remember to use really impresses recruiters.”

To encourage a global mindset in the classroom, Wellman focuses on utilizing engaging content, which includes high profile guest speakers, field trips, engaging exercises, and real-world readings. He covers global content not typically taught in other BMGT courses and utilizes examples with less general coverage (Emirates, Huawei, Jollibee, etc.) and focuses on markets that are typically overlooked in the classroom (Gulf States, Australia, Africa, Israel, etc.).  Additionally, Dr. Wellman instructs his students to create a Global Mindset Portfolio/Reflection, which allows students to reveal their own experiences that increase global skills and insights. An example of a student project can be accessed online.

Outside of the classroom, Wellman focuses much time and effort on the careful design and planning of his short-term programs. In the past, he has arranged for a number of high-profile organizations to participate in his programs, including Emirates Airline, Nakheel, Dubai International Finance Center, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Jumeriah Group, Masdar, Mubadala, Cleveland Clinic, Atlassian, Barclays, Common Wealth Bank of Australia, Singapore Airlines, BBC, Air Asia, Discovery Networks, eBay, Petronas, Yahoo, and ESPN. 

When asked why global learning is important, Wellman explained: “I strive to offer global learning experiences to prepare students for future challenges as globalization has created an increasing need for young professionals to develop their global mindset and international skills in order to become more adaptable to a global market through a better understanding of global issues and their ability to communicate more effectively with people from different countries and cultures around the world.”

“Mark’s study abroad courses have introduced almost a thousand UMD students to the world of global business,” shares Kislaya Prasad, executive director of CIBER. “Here in College Park, he encourages students to participate in global learning opportunities outside the classroom. Mark is a genuine innovator, always thinking of new ways to challenge his students and prepare them to be effective business leaders. I think it is very fitting that he is the recipient of the inaugural CIBER award.”

Mark Wellman is a clinical professor in the Management & Organization Department and is director of the College Park Scholars Business, Society & Economy (BSE) program. On May 6, 2016, he was recognized at an assembly for staff and faculty for his contributions to global programs at the University of Maryland. More than 800 undergraduate students have enrolled in the short-term global immersion programs he has offered to the United Arab Emirates, Southeast Asia and Australia.

- Elizabeth Burzenski, Office of Global Initiatives &Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER)