Econ prof named Dean of International Affairs
Chris Fawson, a native of Utah, was recently appointed Associate Dean of International Affairs in the college of business. The position is new to the business program, which is trying to expand opportunities for students to gain an understanding of business in the international setting.
Fawson started at Utah State 17 years ago as a professor in the economics department and has taught classes ever since. He has also served as vice provost for academic and international affairs and was head of the economics department last year.
Like 45 percent of College of Business students that speak a foreign language, Fawson speaks Mandarin and has to several Asian and Middle-Eastern countries on economics, agriculture and development projects. This is the kind of experience Fawson hopes to give to USU business students.
Although there is an international business major within the College of Business, Fawson said the aim of the program he now heads is to give the entire college of business international experience.
“The world is becoming more and more integrated, and international experience is critical to people studying business, ” Fawson said.
Fawson works directly with students as well in a management capacity. He says working with students is vital and especially that the “student council within the college is critical for success.”
International study and exchange has been a part of many students experience at the university level, Fawson said, but the program has not been implemented systematically or with the emphasis this new program will place on business affairs.
All of this is part of Fawson and colleagues “vision for the future of the College of Business,” which Fawson said is to link students here at USU to the global business network.
“I’m excited to be a part of it, ” Fawson said, ” the thing I enjoy the most is being a part of a learning process and helping students realize their full potential.”