Oregon Tech business professor completes work in South Africa with Fulbright scholarship

October 14, 2021, Klamath Falls, Ore. – The US Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to Dr. Sharon Beaudry of the Oregon Institute of Technology. Business professor Dr Beaudry spent September completing a project at the Southern African Wildlife College in South Africa.

The Fulbright program aims to exchange knowledge and build partnerships for the benefit of participants, institutions and communities in the United States and abroad through various educational and training activities. Beaudry is one of more than 400 U.S. citizens who annually share their expertise with host institutions abroad as part of the Fulbright program. Recipients of the Fulbright Specialist Awards are selected based on their academic and professional performance, demonstrated leadership in their field, and potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the United States and abroad.

The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC), an applied educational institution located within the borders of Kruger National Park, is a leader in the development and training of professionals in the conservation sector. The college offers programs in natural resource management, community and youth development, responsible use of resources, and the integrity of protected areas. They train field guides, park rangers and natural resource managers and also lead canine and aerial support units to support applied poaching projects.

Beaudry, who has expertise in business strategy, human resources and accreditation, spent a month helping the SAWC develop quality metrics for its strategic plan. Together with Anelle Rautenbach, the college’s quality management and accreditation manager, the goal of the project was to develop the balanced approach of the college’s strategic plan that supports its holistic conservation mission.

Theresa Sowry, CEO (President) of the College, notes: “The SAWC encapsulates a learning-by-doing approach to training and development. We are continually trying to improve our own systems and processes through this approach and having Professor Beaudry with us for a month has highlighted areas where we can become more efficient and effective in applying the work and product delivery.

During Beaudry’s visit, another Fulbright, Dr. James Danoff-Burg, director of conservation at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, Calif., Helped the college develop its new blended learning diploma program. three years. Danoff-Burg and Beaudry have both worked with academic units to advance applied approaches and best practices in online course design and pedagogy.

Beaudry is quick to point out that his time at college was a truly immersive experience supporting Fulbright’s “exchange” mission. Beaudry said, “The people at the college were wonderful hosts, continually providing me with opportunities to learn more about their work. From the start, I was invited to go on safaris to discover the Great Kruger and its people. There was nothing like sharing the excitement of a rare wild dog spotting with colleagues and students.

Beaudry and Rautenbach plan to continue their collaboration in the future to support the development of the college’s strategic plan and operational effectiveness metrics. Beaudry also intends to share the results of his experience with the Oregon Tech community. Beaudry adds: “Since my return, my students are eager to learn more about my experience in South Africa. As a Professor of the Senior Business Project Series, I look forward to sharing how I have used many of the same business tools and processes that students will use in their own Senior Projects. And it also shows them that business can be applied anywhere – including an exciting South African experience. “

Oregon Tech President Dr Nagi Naganathan mentioned that Beaudry’s Fulbright Award for the project in South Africa is an example of international recognition of excellence at Oregon Tech. “I congratulate Professor Beaudry on obtaining a Fulbright scholarship. It’s a special honor for her and Oregon Tech. Professor Beaudry’s project in South Africa is a fine example of the benefit of knowledge sharing. The partnership she has established with Southern African Wildlife College and other Fulbright Fellows will enrich her teaching for all of her students and, in turn, will benefit their learning immensely.

Oregon Tech Business degrees include nine programs: accounting, business management, cybersecurity, information technology, healthcare management, health informatics, marketing, operations management, technology, and management. These programs are offered on the Klamath Falls campus, and many are also offered on the Portland-Metro campus and online.