Meet the new Business Dean | FIU magazine

One of the world’s top researchers in real estate is now at the top of the business college. William G. Hardin is a leading scholar on real estate investment, securities, corporate governance and related topics, and has published more than 75 refereed journal articles internationally for two decades.

Now, he’s bringing that same level of insight and action! – Broad goals towards FIU business. At the university since 2006, Hardin served as interim dean for one year while continuing his work as a Real Estate Rider Distinguished Scholar at the Tibor and Sheila Hollow School of Real Estate.

Besides the Top 5 Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs in International Business, what are the biggest positives about driving the college?

FIU Business produces highly skilled graduates, and we are located in an environment that welcomes a diverse mix of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. Elsewhere, when I talk to people at business schools, I see them try to emulate us because they know that bringing together perspectives based on different identities and experiences has value in the business world. Several high-tech investors have told me, “We value diversity and knowledge of other cultures because it’s a competitive advantage.

How has FIU Business succeeded in staying at the forefront of change?

Here’s an example of how we don’t need to work to keep up, but instead become leaders. I was at a meeting several months ago and someone from a top 25 business school mentioned how excited they were about their first online graduate program. Well, we’ve been doing that for 25 years! FIU Business pioneered the university’s online educational programs decades ago and has been educating thousands of professionals in meaningful ways. The thing is, we at FIU came naturally – to realize a need, not a historical event that forced everyone’s hand.

Therefore, the school is creative in nature.

FIU has been innovative since 50 years ago and in large part because we don’t really have a legacy that can stifle innovation. I see the frustration they can have in old schools. Comfortably positioned in terms of registrations and dollars, they will be the last to change. We at FIU, on the other hand, embrace change because industry and our region demand it. At Fast Pace Miami, we at the College of Business have a mindset of finding what works for our students and what works for real-world businesses.

What are your priorities?

Over the next five years, we will continue to drive new programs related to changes in the business environment and emerging industries, and not only in South Florida and the rest of the state, but in Latin America, where we have and especially in Africa, where there are many opportunities.

“We are ranked among the top 50 public business schools. I mean we are graduating students with the kind of skills industry needs. We are far ahead of other business schools that perform well but fail to get most of their students into the reserve economy within four years. To the challenge of taking the college to the top, I say bring it on.