Reynolds Foundation makes $250,000 gift to support MBA program's international business education focus

The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation will donate $250,000 over five years to the University of Richmond’s Richard S. Reynolds Graduate School of Business to support international business education for students in the MBA program.

The endowment gift will enhance the school’s focus on international business by providing funds to support student travel for international residencies, student participation in international competitions, faculty travel to partner schools or international conferences, and visiting international scholars traveling to Richmond.

“Since 2001, every one of our MBA students has completed a consulting project in a foreign country as part of the international residency,” said Richard Coughlan, senior associate dean and director of the graduate school and MBA program. “The Reynolds Foundation’s support of international initiatives means the impact of future students’ work will be felt for years to come.”

Students have completed residencies in the Czech Republic, Mexico, France, Brazil, Argentina and Hungary. In addition, some students have studied for extended periods of time at such places as Tsinghua University in Beijing.

“The Robins School of Business appreciates the importance of a global perspective on business and the value of experiential learning. This gift enhances our ability to provide MBA students with opportunities to see the world and experience cultural differences and business practices first-hand,” said Nancy Bagranoff, dean of the Robins School

The graduate school’s global initiatives parallel those of the Robins School’s undergraduate international business program, which Bloomberg Businessweek has recognized as the best in the nation. The school has partnerships with some of the leading universities in the world, including the London School of Economics, Rouen Business School and Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi.

The MBA program’s emphasis on international studies also fulfills a key role in the university’s strategic plan, “The Richmond Promise,” which states the university will prepare students “to live lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry and responsible leadership in a global and pluralistic society.”

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