ATLANTA, August 21, 2000. The J. Mack Robinson College of Business has announced the first recipients of the Nita Robinson Scholars in international business. They are Jonathan Cobbs, a graduate student pursuing a specialized master's in International Business; John Henderson, a graduate student in management; and two undergraduate students pursuing degrees in computer information systems -- Galina Williams and Angele Nisbett. The four will each receive $2,500 for a study abroad program of their choice during this academic year. They were chosen from 46 undergraduate and graduate student applications.
The Nita Robinson Scholars Program was established this year by J. Mack Robinson, chairman of Atlantic American Corporation, in honor of his wife to further international study opportunities for students in the college named for him.
"Globalization is at the forefront of the changes affecting the business environment. We recognize the importance of understanding and competing in a global market. Mack and Nita Robinson are providing our best students with the opportunity to travel and experience the world's diverse business practices and cultures," said Dr. Sidney E. Harris, dean of the Robinson College.
Robinson contributed $10 million to the college in September 1998 - the largest cash gift to Georgia State University in the university's 87-year history - in support of scholarships, professorships and initiatives of the College's outstanding research centers.
As many as 25 top undergraduate and graduate level students will be selected to receive an award for study abroad or an international internship annually. "Mr. Robinson's generous gift will enable our students on an annual basis to explore business opportunities abroad as well as provide hands-on knowledge of global business concepts and practices learned in the classroom," according to Dr. Karen D. Loch, who heads the College's Institute of International Business.
Cobbs is currently studying abroad in Russia and is studying Russian at the Novosibirsk State Technical University in Novosibirsk, Siberia. He will then remain in Russia to complete his internship program. Henderson plans to study abroad at the Group ESC Toulouse, a private business school in Toulouse, France that maintains a study abroad agreement with the Robinson College. Williams plans to study abroad in Germany and hopes to obtain an internship using her skills in information technology, while Nisbett is currently exploring study abroad opportunities that would also allow her to expand her knowledge and skill base in information systems.
The "Nita Robinson Scholars" are selected based on demonstrated interest in international business through career aspirations, academic achievement, community involvement and work experience. Special consideration is given to students involved in the College's Institute of International Business, or who plan to undertake a study abroad program or international internship during the subsequent academic year.
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the most heralded business schools in the Southeast and nation. The College's part-time MBA program has been listed in the top ten by U.S.News & World Report for five years. In addition, Business Week lists the College's Executive MBA program as one of the top 20 programs in the country; and Forbes recognizes the College as one of the best business schools for return on investment. With approximately 8,200 students, the College is one of the nation's largest accredited business programs.
For more information, contact:
Steven W. Strickland, Director of Development and External Affairs,
404/413-7056
