June 20, 2010
A passion for teaching
International business program coordinator Madan Annavarjula creates a vibrant learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.
In preparing to announce the 2010 graduates who earned Bachelor of Science in International Business degrees, Madan Annavarjula proudly declared, “Mr. President, we have saved the best for last!”
This energy and enthusiasm shown by Annavarjula, an associate professor of management and coordinator of Bryant’s IB program, is one of the reasons why he was honored with the Excellence in Teaching award by Academic Affairs.
It is clear that Annavarjula’s students appreciate his passion. At the end of the spring semester, members of the Class of 2010 presented him with a globe. On the base was the inscription, “For your inspiration and knowledge, we sincerely thank you.”
“The best part of my role is the chance to work with the students and the opportunity to make a difference in their lives,” says Annavarjula, who in addition to his teaching, serves as the advisor to the student-run International Business Association.
Opportunities to excel
Annavarjula was attracted to Bryant in 2006 by the opportunity to help build Bryant’s IB program. In the last three year, Bryant has graduated nearly 100 students with BSIB degrees with concentrations in finance, management, marketing, and computer information systems. Beginning in the fall semester, IB students can also concentrate in entrepreneurship and accounting.
As part of the IB program, he created an innovative program where junior IB majors, as part of a cohort, take upper-level international courses in marketing, management, accounting, and finance. The professors plan curricula and projects that allow students to see the interrelatedness between each concept.
With the help of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business, Annavarjula also established the IB practicum, where seniors work as consultants on real projects with local companies.
Reading the notes the students wrote in a card they presented with the globe nearly brought Annavarjula to tears and makes all his hard work worthwhile. “Nothing is more important to me than my students,” he says. “All they need is an opportunity and they can excel.”
Read about last year's Faculty Award winners.
