verizon wireless work force development • university ... of exporting and importing (itb 450)...

Ve r i z o n W i r e l e s s Wo r k Fo 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

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Companies can no longer avoidengaging business colleagues fromaround the world, either as collabo-rators or competitors. Demand forproducts and services from emergingmarkets like India, South Africa, andChina is thriving, and these regionsare potent competitors in their ownright.

These changes mean today’sworkers must be more flexible thanever. They must be able to cooperatewith people from various backgroundsand collaborate in cross-culturalteams. They must combine techno-logical expertise with creative andinnovative approaches to the interna-tional business environment. Asnational borders become less of abarrier to business, the individualswho stand to benefit most are thosewho are socially, psychologically, andeducationally prepared for the globaleconomy.

With its online course offerings andinternational business degree, StrayerUniversity is training a new generationof workers who have the skills andknowledge to succeed in the globalmarketplace. At the forefront ofdistance learning, Strayer UniversityOnline provides students the oppor-tunity to connect with the world

community every time they attend anonline course. Interacting with class-mates from around the world meansonline students gain insight aboutother cultures and other regions’ waysof doing business. In addition, theInternet-based delivery platformfamiliarizes distance learners withtechnology that is essential to everyprofessional job in the InformationAge.

Strayer University’s online andcampus locations offer a bachelor’sdegree in international business forstudents who want to gain a thorough

understanding of global business,management, marketing, finance, andtrade concepts. Courses such as Inter-national Business Environment (BUS250), Fundamentals of GlobalManagement (ITB 300), and Essen-tials of Exporting and Importing (ITB450) provide in-depth analyses ofworldwide business trends and helpstudents gain the decision-making andproblem-solving abilities necessary tocontinually advance their careers.

This constant motion forward fuelsprogress, making the business worldgo round. One of the shrewdestexecutives of all time, ThomasWatson, Jr., former CEO of IBM andson of the company’s founder, oftenremarked that when a business orindividual thinks success has beenobtained, progress stops. Just ascompanies must continually find newmarkets and new ways of doingbusiness in order to succeed, profes-sionals must be lifelong learners,constantly striving to acquire newskills and adapt to an ever-changingglobal marketplace. ■

Business Without BordersBy Dr. Eric Grosse, Dean of Academic Development and Training

All 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 high-

speed 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.”

ContentsVolume 8 Number 2 • Spring 2005

127

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Publisher

Sonya G. Udler

Managing Editor

Hannah Durocher

Contributors

Dr. Abed AlmalaRajeev Bansal

Leah BlandFaisal Choudhury

Carolyn Clarke Dr. Darcel Ford

Jennifer FreemanTed Freeman

Dr. Eric GrosseDavid Moulton

Robin NicolCarol T. Williams

Michael O. WilliamsDr. A. Y. Zohny

Design and Layout

Sese-Paul Design

Cover Photograph

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 infor-

mation 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 submis-

sions 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

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Features

4 Going Global. Strayer Universitygraduate Dawn Dozier charts acourse to the top in the newglobal economy

6 Worldly Manners. A primer ininternational business etiquette

7 Window Shopping Online.Companies can increase onlinesales by catering to the concernsof women buyers

9 It’s All About the Customer.Verizon Wireless develops itswork force with the customer inmind

University News

10 Strayer University Launches NewAlumni Program

11 Survey Finds Alumni Excel inCareers

12 Regional Commencements OfferConvenience

13 Reaching the Human Family

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.

“Just calling into a teleconference is an internationalexperience,” says Dozier, who is based in Charlotte, N.C.,but spends 200 days per year traveling. “My team includesnatives of France, Germany, South Africa, Japan, Britain,India, and the United States, and we work with other teamsfrom every region in the world.”

Scheduling meetings across time zones, coordinating payscales for different countries, and incorporating the variedperspectives of diverse individuals can create interestingchallenges. But, Dozier contends, working with people fromdifferent backgrounds is ultimately a strength. “It helps usunderstand and be open-minded about other cultures,which is essential for anyone involved in internationalbusiness,” she says.

The days when professionals worked the same job withthe same local coworkers for 30 years are gone. Today’sbusiness people must be able to collaborate with clients andcolleagues around the world. Dozier says the best strategyfor interacting with people from diverse cultures is to neverplace them in a box.

“Treat people as individuals and do not attribute theirpersonal traits to their entire culture,” she suggests. “Classi-fying people based on their backgrounds only causesmisunderstanding and distrust.”

Global ApproachDeveloping trusting relationships with coworkers andcustomers is key for Dozier’s team when customizingclient-specific software implementations. SAP technology,which is enterprise resource planning software for managingfinances, human resources, inventory, and other functions, istailored to the needs of each client, making every projectdifferent. Dozier and her team develop SAP implemen-tation strategies for large multinational corporations, andthe seamless integration of technology across internationalborders involves constant communication between theimplementation team, the parent company, and its sitesabroad.

“For a global company, common processes, datastandards, program management standards, and technical

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 counter-

parts in Africa, Asia, Europe, India, and the Middle East, making the global village a reality

every time Dozier powers up her laptop.

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SCHOLAR ■■ STRAYER UNIVERSITY ■■ SPRING 2005

Going GlobalLaunching an International Business Career

Profile

infrastructures must exist in everycountry, despite differences inlanguage, currency, andtechnology,” Dozier explains. “Eachsystem must interact globally,without losing information becauseof different countries’ nuances.”

The SAP Americas Sales SupportTeam also runs across a commonchallenge for global companies:dealing with laws and regulationsin foreign nations. IBM, one of theworld’s largest multinational corpo-rations, has the advantage ofmaintaining offices in most of thecountries in which it does business.This multinational presence savestime that otherwise would be lostimporting personnel and trainingthem in local laws, or retaining areaprofessionals and teaching themthe company’s objectives andneeds. Having branch offices in each area reduces the needfor knowledge transfer and improves rapport with localcustomers.

Indeed, IBM Business Consulting Services’ approach hasbeen so successful it has implemented SAP software forsome of the world’s largest multinationals, including majorpharmaceutical, consumer products, technology, aerospace,and defense companies. It was the sole recipient of the2003 SAP Award of Excellence, conferred by the system’smanufacturer, Germany-based SAP.

Born to BusinessIf the fast-paced milieu of global business is a world awayfrom where Dozier grew up, it is also something of abirthright for the Colorado native. With a father whoseposition at IBM meant the family moved every two years(employees’ families wryly called the company “I’ve BeenMoved”), Dozier seems born to excel in the global market-place. After IBM acquired the consulting arm ofPricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was part of theManaged Consulting Services Division, Dozier knew that inorder to transition to the SAP consultant position shedesired, she would have to complete her degree.

Dozier had taken classes one or two at a time sinceleaving high school, but was always too busy with work tofinish her degree. Once she had a specific career goal insight, she put all extracurricular activities on hold anddevoted every free minute to obtaining a diploma. At first,

Dozier enrolled in a traditional university that did not offermany evening classes.

“The university did nothing to accommodate myschedule as a working adult,” she recalls. “At the pace I wasgoing, it would have taken many more years to earn adegree, and I became completely frustrated with the tradi-tional university experience.” Having heard of StrayerUniversity through friends, Dozier went to visit the NorthCharlotte Campus and decided to enroll in online classes.

“Strayer University’s online courses allowed me tocontinue my frequent business travel while studying,”Dozier says. “The only problem was packing—a carry-ongets very heavy when filled with textbooks!”

Undeterred by the heavy lifting, Dozier plans to returnto school later this year to earn an advanced degree. Doziersays she is inspired by the opportunities that have come herway since earning a diploma, including a promotionannounced immediately after finishing finals in December.Her team members at IBM Business Consulting Serviceshave been supportive of her educational goals, and Dozierhas referred two colleagues to Strayer University who arenow taking classes online.

“Online education is truly the answer for internationalbusiness professionals who want to earn a degree,” Doziercontends. “No matter your background or personal history,earning an education online will deepen your understandingof the world and put you in closer touch with the globalfamily.” ■

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Consider Latin American countries, which arerelaxed about scheduled appointments. The Americanbusiness person is wise to inquire if the appointmentis at the prompt “English hour” or the “Latin hour,”in which it is not considered rude to arrive half anhour or more after the designated time. Asians viewlateness as an insult, but are similar to LatinAmericans in that they place more value on devel-oping long-lasting relationships with companyrepresentatives than on signing contracts. In Germany,tardiness is unacceptable, but in France ten minuteslate is the same as being on time. In Israel, lateness isviewed the same as in the United States, while inAustralia, it can be interpreted as either acceptable or unacceptable depending on the region, firm, orindividuals involved.

Two-sided business cards, with the foreign languageon one side and English on the other, are helpful toestablishing cordial international business relations.So is using the proper protocol when presenting thecard, which should be handed over with the foreignprinted side up and facing the receiver. Great careshould be taken when using colored businesscards or presentation handouts because colorsmean different things in different cultures.

Gift-giving rules can be especially confusing.In the United Arab Emirates, giving a valuablegift is important, yet almost every gift costsless there than in the United States. A carpetis an ideal gift, but it must be handmade.Flowers given as a gift in Russia should bepresented only to females and mustbe colorful but not “romantic” reds.Also, give flowers in odd numbers

because even numbers are for funerals. Red is a perfectlyacceptable color for flowers given to men in Asiancountries, where it is the color of luck. In these cultures,a thank-you note for a gift should be attached to apresent of equal or greater value than the one received.

Timing the presentation of gifts is also important. InGermany, gifts are typically presented after the contractis signed and the more public the presentation, themore expensive the gift.

In China, the word “no” should be avoided at allcosts. For example, while an American publisher mightwrite a straightforward letter of rejection, a Chinesepublisher would take a less direct approach. With hiscode of “saving face,” the Chinese publisher mightwrite a long and positively glowing letter about therejected manuscript explaining that the writing issimply so superb it would cause every other writer tolose face; therefore it is too good to publish. Any lossof face or dignity is a deal-breaker in this country.

Large firms have the financial resources todevelop training courses in international decorum,courtesies, and customs, but how do smaller

businesses train their employees? The WorldWide Web offers sites with business etiquette

information on almost every country. Some havegeneral information while others offer reasonablypriced texts that contain comprehensive and

country-specific customs and protocols. ■

Carol T. Williams has developed marketing plansfor firms entering foreign markets and beeninvolved in precious metal imports fromAfrica. She teaches international business

at Strayer University.

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 signif-

icant differences in public behavior, business dress, norms for addressing others,

acceptable conversation,appointment-setting,successful entertaining,and appropriate

gift-giving.



7

T he adage that women love to shop does not holdtrue when it comes to Internet shopping. In a recentsurvey of 134 men and 217 women from diverse

ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, I found that whileboth men and women have reservations about Internetpurchasing, women are less likely to shop online and aremore anxious about buying from overseas businesses. Theextensive purchasing power of this demographic meanswomen are a major untapped source of online revenue forbusinesses who want to sell more goods to customers inother countries. To mine this potential, marketers mustunderstand what motivates women who shop online, andwhat deters the women who do not.

One major difference between male and female onlineshoppers is women’s need for high-quality visuals ofproducts or services. This supports the accepted notion thatmen enter a store with a particular purchase in mind, whilewomen enjoy window shopping. Marketers and Webdesigners would be wise to make sites geared toward femaleshoppers appealing with plenty of attractive images.

Customer service is an important factor influencing bothmen’s and women’s decisions to purchase online. Becausehigh-quality service builds brand loyalty—an essentialcomponent of marketing success—companies need to focuson improving customer relations. As the number of onlineshops increases, a company must continue to differentiateitself through better and more personalized customerservice and interactive Web sites.

Most important, companies must increase the security ofonline transactions and effectively communicate aboutsecurity issues with their customers. Security of onlinetransactions was named as the number one concern forboth men and women. Women were more likely to expressanxiety about sharing sensitive personal information overthe Internet and purchasing from international Web sites,where security measures were perceived to be lower.

To boost the confidence of women shoppers, companiesshould:• 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 womenshoppers can help get these customers out of thedepartment stores and onto the Internet. Savvy interna-tional businesses who cater to the online needs of womencan expect a major boost to their bottom lines. ■

Dr. Darcel Ford holds a doctorate degree in information systemsmanagement. She teaches science, math, and technology at StrayerUniversity.

A Small Business WorldThe 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.

Window Shopping OnlineBy Dr. Darcel Ford, Adjunct Faculty, King of Prussia Campus (Philadelphia, Pa.)

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International NegotiationsOne 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 theright foot means understandingand adapting to foreignbusiness customs. In other partsof the world, doing things the“American way” can seemsimply rude. In many LatinAmerican cultures, forexample, getting straight tobusiness is considered quiteannoying. A certain amount ofsmall talk is expected to breakthe ice and create a relaxedatmosphere. In some Asiancountries, a person’s name or acontract should never bewritten in red. Red ink is reserved for recording the namesof the dead, and it is considered extremely bad luck towrite a living person’s name in this color.

Once negotiations have begun, you may be presentedwith tactics you find quite unusual. In Western cultures, forexample, it is considered bad form to shout at a potentialbusiness partner during the negotiation process, but Russianwheeling and dealing routinely includes emotionaloutbursts, pressuring tactics, and sometimes even threats.There is a world of difference between understanding anegotiating style and following suit. Instead, recognize thetactic for what it is—a ploy to gain advantage—and do allyou can to keep the negotiations on track.

Once a contract is signed it may seem that the negoti-ation process is over, but this is not always the case. In some

cultures a written contract isconsidered binding while inothers it is simply a guideline.Periodically revisiting theagreement with a partner andmaking expectations clear willhelp avoid this potential pitfall.In addition, be sure that youhave made an agreement withthe right person or parties. Inmany areas of the world onlythe most senior representative’sassent counts as the finalconclusion to negotiations.

In the effort to becomeinformed about foreign rules of

negotiation, there is never a substitute for experience.Therefore, make the most of local experts. Finding a nativebusiness guide will help with more than translations; theright local assistant can school you in proper etiquette, aidduring negotiations, and work as an in-country advocateafter a final deal has been struck.

With the many unexpected hazards that can arise duringinternational business deals, it is important to be aware andprepared. And no matter how heated the negotiationsbecome, be grateful you are not battling with coworkersover where to eat lunch! ■

Ted Freeman is international global program service administratorfor FedEx Express. He holds a master’s degree in internationalbusiness and teaches business at Strayer University.

Giving customers the best wirelessexperience available is the driving forcebehind employee training and devel-opment at Verizon Wireless. Whether acustomer is shopping at one of thecompany’s 1,900 communications stores,making a wireless call or contacting

customer service for assistance, Verizon Wireless iscommitted to providing superior service and ensuring ahigh level of customer satisfaction.

To fulfill that commitment, the company provides acomprehensive trainingcurriculum designed to equipemployees with the knowledgeand skills they need to deliveran outstanding customerexperience. Customer servicerepresentatives in VerizonWireless call centers, who arethe front-line in the company’sefforts to provide superior service, complete a six-weektraining program that includes classroom instruction androle-playing customer call scenarios before ever interactingwith customers. Training continues during the first fewweeks on the job when customer service reps handle actualcalls with a coach nearby to ensure they are providingaccurate information and meeting the company’s qualityrequirements.

“We have developed a unique training model, based oncall types, to optimize customer satisfaction,” says LouTedrick, director of work force development. “In addition toinitial training, reps receive continuing instruction eachmonth to enhance their skills and learn about new productsand services as they roll out.”

Tedrick points out that customer service is part of everyjob at Verizon Wireless regardless of whether employees aredealing directly with customers. “We weave a customermindset into all of our training,” she says. “Someengineering and network programs are highly specializedand technical, some advanced sales courses cater tobusiness-to-business pros, others are taught by vendorsbecause they have expertise that is not readily available in-house, but the purpose behind all training is to deliver the

best wireless experience to customers.”In addition to specific job training, Verizon Wireless

offers courses that help develop employees’ managementskills and leadership abilities. One of the most popular is“Plan Your Career,” which combines online self-assessmentof an employee’s skills and interests with a classroomexperience in which an instructor helps interpret the self-assessment. Back on the job, an employee’s managerprovides realistic feedback about how to fill gaps in

knowledge, skills, and experience tohelp achieve career goals.

“Our philosophy about careerdevelopment is based on sharedresponsibility,” Tedrick notes. “Weurge employees to ‘own their careers’and pursue the skills they need foradvancement, and we encouragemanagers to support employees and

coach them as they work toward their goals. VerizonWireless also offers a tuition assistance plan to helpemployees cover the costs of college courses in job-relatedprograms of study.”

Identifying and developing leadership capabilities inemployees is an important element of work force devel-opment at Verizon Wireless that helps enhance employees’effectiveness on the job. Leadership courses range fromclasses that help workers build skills for a near-term super-visory position, to a curriculum for managers spanning allaspects of responsible management, including coachingclasses customized for a particular work environment like acall center or retail operation. For mid-level managers,seminars focus on understanding financials and coachingthe coach.

“The company’s success in the marketplace begins withwell-trained employees who have the tools and focusnecessary to be the best,” Tedrick says. “That is why trainingand development at Verizon Wireless is all about thecustomer.” ■

Strayer University partners with Verizon Wireless to educate theVerizon Wireless work force.


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Verizon Wireless Work Force DevelopmentIt’s All About the Customer

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The mission of the program is:

To establish opportunities for StrayerUniversity alumni to stay connected to theUniversity family and remain on thecutting edge of business and technology.

Alumni NetWorks, which was designed withthe input of a focus group composed of StrayerUniversity graduates, will build a strong profes-sional and personal network of University alumnithat will foster continuous learning and mutualdevelopment. The program will be spearheadedby an advisory council of alumni who will meetquarterly to discuss ways the University can bestmeet the needs of its graduates. The advisorycouncil will address opportunities relevant to thecareers of our educated professionals, such asbusiness alliances, professional development,community outreach, and lifelong learning.The Alumni NetWorks program can be reachedat [email protected].

Alumni NetWorks Web Site Strayer University alumni now have a virtualmeeting 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 alsolinks to the Alumni NetWorks Directory, where

graduates can register or update their profiles togain access to news and contact information forfellow alums, and can enjoy professionalnetworking opportunities. This is a highly securedatabase that can only be viewed by StrayerUniversity alumni.

To take advantage of these services andbecome an active member of Alumni NetWorksyou must first activate your status in thedirectory. Go to http://alumninetworks.strayer.edu to access the link to the AlumniNetWorks Directory. Your updated personal andprofessional information is essential to keep youconnected to the Strayer University family andon the cutting edge of business and technologythat affect your careers and communities.Connected, we can make a difference. ■

Michael O. Williams graduated from Strayer University’s MBA program in 1995.

Connected, We CanMake a DifferenceStrayer University Launches New Alumni Program

By Michael O. Williams, Director of Alumni Affairs

Few 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



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Asurvey of recent graduatesshows that Strayer Universityalumni are satisfied with their

educational experience and areexcelling in their careers. The studywas part of the University’scontinuing effort to measure andassess its effectiveness at helpingstudents meet their professional goals.

More than 400 alumni whograduated from Strayer Universitybetween July 1, 2003, and June 30,2004, completed an online question-naire about the influence of a StrayerUniversity education on their profes-sional lives. Respondents were alsoasked about their overall experienceat the University, which more than79% rated as good or excellent. Twoout of three alumni indicated thatthey would recommend StrayerUniversity to their friends andcolleagues.

The survey found that more than90% of alumni are currently

employed and 72%indicated that theirdegree had had apositive impact ontheir careers.Strayer Universityalumni are earningan average salary of$56,598 annually,with substantialvariance in averagesalaries based onthe highest degreeearned and field ofstudy.

The survey found that StrayerUniversity graduates with anassociate’s degree earn an average of$47,872, with a bachelor’s degreeearn $55,602, and with a master’sdegree earn $62,653 annually. Of thetotal respondents, 6.2% reportedearning more than $100,000 annually.

According to the U.S. CensusBureau, U.S. workers 25 years and

older with an associate’s degree earn$37,482, with a bachelor’s degreeearn $53,356, and with a master’sdegree earn $62,820. The comparisonbetween Strayer University alumniand national averages highlights thesuccess of the University’s graduatesin the work force. Earning a degreefrom Strayer University has helpedalumni earn higher salaries andadvance their careers. ■

Survey Finds Alumni Excel in Careers

Master’sBachelor’sAssociate’s

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In its ongoing effort to providemore learning resources tostudents, Strayer University has

strengthened its support of campusLearning Resource Centers (LRC)through the establishment of a newposition, assistant librarian, in eachregion. This position, which requires amaster’s degree in library science, willwork with the regional academicdeans and the director of libraries tobolster information literacy activities,train staff, and develop relationshipswith local and regional libraries.

In addition to adding this extralayer of support, the LRCs have rolledout an information literacy program toacquaint students in selected classeswith the wealth of online and printresources available through StrayerUniversity’s campus LRCs. During theWinter Quarter, LRC managers madepresentations in over 250 classes and

invited students to tour the campusLRC so they can explore availableresources in more depth. These toursare available to anyone and can bearranged by calling your campus’LRC.

LRC International BusinessResourcesFor students interested in interna-tional business, there are a variety ofresources available on the LRC Website, http://studentserver.strayer.edu/CONT_STD/LIBS/libs2.htm.EBSCOHost gives students access tocurrent and archived issues of premierbusiness journals such as InternationalJournal of Business Studies, Interna-tional Studies of Management &Organization, and MultinationalMonitor. Leading newspapers withextensive international coverage, suchas The Washington Post, New York

Times, Wall Street Journal, and LosAngeles Times, can be searched via theProQuest database. These servicesrequire a valid Strayer Universitystudent identification number.

World Wide Web InternationalBusiness Resources Global Edge

http://globaledge.msu.edu/ibrd/ibrd.asp

World Biz www.worldbiz.com

International Business Forum www.ibf.com

Overseas Security and AdvisoryCouncil

www.ds-osac.orgEconomic Development Directory

www.ecodevdirectory.com ■

Library News

* Insufficient data to report associate-level Accounting graduates

Average Salary by Degree & Major

12


This year, graduates and their families willnot have to travel far to attend graduation.For the first time ever, Strayer University is

hosting regional commencement ceremonies tobetter accommodate graduates and their guests.Two ceremonies will be held at the PatriotCenter in Fairfax, Va.; one at the BaltimoreConvention Center in Baltimore, Md.; and one at the Greater Richmond Convention Center inRichmond, Va. Students are assigned to aceremony based on the proximity of the locationto their home campus.

Preparing to participate in commencement is now easier than ever with the onlineCommencement Ceremony Registration Website at http://studentserver.strayer.edu/commencement.html. This site is the entry pointfor students to register to attend the ceremony,request tickets, and order their caps and gowns.Registration, which is a new requirement thisyear, is free for students who register on time.More information, including registrationdeadlines, is available on the CommencementCeremony Registration Web site.

Virtual CommencementStudents who have designated Strayer UniversityOnline as their home campus will be included in the Virtual Commencement Ceremony. Theonline commencement ceremony has its ownkeynote speaker, virtual degree presentations, andother features that bring the spirit of graduationinto the homes of Strayer University Onlinestudents and their guests. This year’s keynotespeaker, Michael A. Daniels, is former chairmanand CEO of Network Solutions and formersenior vice president of Science ApplicationsInternational Corporation (SAIC). View hisspeech in June, when the 2005 VirtualCommencement Ceremony will be available on the Strayer University Web site. ■

The Tampa, Fla., skyline.

Strayer University President Dr. J. Chris Toe speaks at the 2004

Commencement Ceremonies in Fairfax, Va.

Regional Commencements Offer Convenience

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Sun, fun, and evening classes! Strayer University’stwo newest campuses, Tampa East and TampaWestshore, are now open for the Spring Quarter.The Tampa East Campus is run by Regional DeanJoyce Mayfield and Campus Director Robin Gage,and can be reached at 813.663.0100. TampaWestshore is run by Dean Dr. Tameria Vickersonand Director Deb Sawyer, and is available at813.882.0100. Students in the area should stop by the campuses for a look at what StrayerUniversity’s Florida locations have to offer. ■

Strayer Arrives in the Sunshine State

The shrinking global village means citizens havegreater responsibilities as well as opportunities. KilianSongwe, an adjunct faculty member at Strayer

University, recently visited Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria, andTogo with the organization he founded, called A GlobalHealthcare Public Foundation. Their mission: to providemedical equipment, supplies, and technical training tohealthcare providers working to reduce and prevent thespread of HIV/AIDS in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. Thefoundation also facilitates educational opportunities forchildren orphaned by the disease.

“With 40 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS,we must confront tough questions,” says Songwe. “What dowe do about orphaned and vulnerable children? How dowe address poverty, shortened life expectancy, andincreased school drop out rates? Africa, the continenthardest hit by the epidemic, needs a comprehensive preven-tion and treatment program now to help save the workforce of 2010.” To learn more, visit www.aglobalhf.org. ■

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.

1 2

3

Reaching theHuman Family

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ilian

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we.

Navigating the maze of international trade is achallenging 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 atplanning, negotiating, implementing, and settling interna-tional business transaction conflicts through alternativedispute resolution strategies.

Noncompliance with import or export laws, tariff classifi-cation, customs valuation, preference programs, and countryof origin and marking determinations can lead an interna-tional business into troubled waters. IBLs coach or workwith other players, such as industry specialists, customsservice officials, import specialists and auditors, licensedcustoms brokers, freight forwarders, insurance specialists,and foreign trade zone and warehouse operation specialiststo resolve legal problems.

IBLs have played increasingly prominent roles in interna-tional business since the establishment of the World TradeOrganization in 1995, which created a complex maze ofrules governing international trade and investment. Thornylegal issues, such as the establishment of a foreign directinvestment by a strategic business alliance of several corpo-

rations from different countries,or a liability case for a productwhose parts are manufacturedunder eight separate legal systems,require the collaboration ofmultiple IBLs with expertise invarious national and internationalstatutes.

Because social environment—whether a culture is predominantlysocialist, capitalist, or Islamic—affects laws, knowledge of localcustoms and mores is essential to the success of an IBL. It isalso essential for the employees of an international business,and an IBL can play a pivotal role in guiding corporateexecutives and other workers to better understand andadapt to foreign ways of doing business. ■

Dr. A. Y. Zohny is an international lawyer and a member of theWashington, D.C., bar. He holds a master of law (LLM) degree ininternational business and a doctorate degree in public and interna-tional affairs. Dr. Zohny teaches business and law at StrayerUniversity.

Dr. A. Y. Zohny

Navigating the Legal Maze of International TradeBy Dr. A.Y. Zohny, Associate Campus Dean, Alexandria Campus (Alexandria, Va.)


14

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 NewsSend us your news…Do you have professional or personal news to share

with the Strayer University community? Let us know about your achieve-

ments (career changes, educational advancements, promotions, and other

life experiences). Please provide as much detail and information as possible.

MAIL ScholarStrayer University

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Arlington, VA 22201

Attn: Hannah Durocher

FAX 703.741.3712

E-MAIL [email protected]

Thank you for contributing.Strayer University reserves the right to edit all

materials used in Scholar.

The Strayer University Educational Foundation would like to thank the manyindividuals who have made generous donations to the scholarship fund throughoutthe years. These contributions helped make education a reality for students who

otherwise might not have had the opportunity to earn a degree. Congratulations to recip-ients of the Fall 2004 Scholarship Awards, listed below.

Going forward, the Bailey Family Foundation will carry on the tradition of awardingscholarships to deserving students. Founded in 1996 by Strayer University Past PresidentRon K. Bailey, the foundation offers scholarship programs to high school seniors andcurrent college students of any age with demonstrated scholastic achievement andfinancial need. A limited number of these scholarships are reserved for Strayer Universitystudents. To learn more, visit the Bailey Family Foundation Web site at www.bailey-family.org.

Strayer University Fall 2004Scholarship Recipients



15

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 communi-

cation 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 instruc-

tional 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.

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 Guideto Microsoft Visio2002, 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

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 Insti-

tutional Development and

Undergraduate Education

Services program for the Office

of Post Secondary Education in

the United States Department

of Education.

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