Andrew Gaudes plans to bring a Canadian perspective and Goodman’s values to a worldwide network.

Last month, the Goodman School of Business Dean was appointed as the President of the International Partnership of Business Schools (IPBS) organization at the semi-annual general assembly meeting at NEOMA Business School in Reims, France.

IPBS is a consortium of 13 globally-oriented leading business schools in Europe, North America and South America. This network of business schools grants double degrees that requires study in two countries and promotes language and cultural fluency along with business aptitude. Five of these partners offer an intensive 12 to 15 month (depending on the track choice) Masters of Science in International Management (MIM).

Goodman became the newest IPBS partner school and only Canadian member in March, providing Goodman students and faculty access to opportunities in Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Goodman currently offers double-degree options with three of the network’s partners, which gives students the opportunity to earn degrees from both Goodman and the partner institution while gaining co-op experience in both Canada and abroad.

Gaudes says he hopes that within his new role as President of IPBS, he is able to leverage the network for more opportunities for students, as well as grow the network to include regions currently not represented.

“I also hope to bring a Canadian perspective to IPBS along with Goodman’s values of passion, perseverance and professionalism,” says Gaudes. “It’s important there is alignment with the values of Goodman and IPBS and to apply this in governing the network.”

Despite only being a member of the organization for just seven months, Gaudes says that he’s noticed positive differences already.

“We’re in very good company with world-leading schools spanning the globe,” he says. “We’re given more access to undergraduate and graduate programming, and using the network exposes students to different languages and cultures, while simultaneously opening up a new world of opportunities.”

Gaudes was nominated for the two-year president role by the IPBS Board, which was then put to a vote by the consortia of 13 schools where he was selected.

Executive Dean Anne Sinnott of Dublin City University Business School says the links between Ireland and Canada are very strong, and Brock University is a hugely popular choice among Irish students.

“Dean Gaudes will no doubt bring huge value and commitment to Brock’s membership of IPBS that will ensure Brock students have excellent international experiences through IPBS programmes,” says Sinnott. “We welcome the fresh perspectives that he will bring in his capacity as president.”