March 13, 2008

Fathi recognized for internationalization efforts

AMERICUS—“If we want to understand other cultures and trade with different nations, we should send our educators all over the world to bridge connections and create bonds,” said Georgia Southwestern State University Business Professor Michael Fathi, D.B.A. A native of Iran and former Fulbright Scholar, Fathi speaks from experience.

“There are so many advantages to teaching in a foreign country,” said Fathi. “Living overseas and experiencing other cultures has given me a unique outlook on life and a keen appreciation for the world. As a result, I can share my practical experiences in the classroom with my students.”

Because of his efforts to expand international studies at GSW, Fathi will be recognized by the Georgia Consortium for International Studies (GCIS) Friday, March 14. The Senior Faculty Internationalization Award will be presented to Fathi at a GCIS Symposium in Clarkston at Georgia Perimeter College.

The criteria for this award are based on the nominee’s ability to promote greater international understanding and knowledge through lectures, programs or other activities on campus or in the community. Judging from his good work and the respect he has gained from colleagues, Fathi’s selection is more than logical. He was nominated by economics professor and Georgia Southwestern representative to the GCIS, Philip Szmedra, Ph.D. John Kooti, Ph.D, dean of the School of Business, concurs with Fathi’s nomination.

“Dr. Fathi has been instrumental in expanding international studies in the School of Business Administration,” said Kooti. “His experience has allowed our students to gain a better understanding of global markets. We are very pleased that Dr. Fathi has been selected to receive this important award.”

Fathi has lived and worked in the U.S. since 1976. Since that time, his interest in life and study abroad has not wavered. As a business professor at Georgia Southwestern, Fathi has instructed courses in contemporary international cultures and international business while serving as a coordinator for international programs. Since 2006, he served as GSW’s representative to the University System of Georgia’s Council on International Education.

While on faculty Brewton Parker College (BPC) in Mount Vernon and through a $50,000 grant from the Fulbright Scholar Program, Fathi spent the fall of 1995 as a visiting business professor at a university in Uzbekistan.

Fathi’s education is internationally diverse, as well. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agro-engineering from Jundi University in Ahwaz, Iran in 1973. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Baltimore in 1979 and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. in 1985.

Fathi’s, wife, Etrat, also a native of Iran, serves as Georgia Southwestern’s director of Career Services. They reside in Americus.

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