Visiting South African professor shares expertise in social entrepreneurship with Walker students

This fall, Walker College of Business students have the opportunity to learn more about social entrepreneurship through an international lens without ever leaving the classroom. International scholar and professor of entrepreneurship, Dr. Nana Vezi-Magigaba from the University of Zululand(Unizulu) in South Africa is currently teaching social entrepreneurship to a group of Walker students. Through this course, Dr. Vezi-Magigaba is able to share her passion for business and entrepreneurship with students who she hopes will be inspired to impact their communities positively.

Dr. Vezi-Magigaba's semester-long appointment was inspired by a first meeting in South Africa in 2017 with Dr. Martin Meznar, Walker College of Business Associate Dean for Global & Civic Engagement, Jesse Pipes, Lecturer of Enterpreneurship in the Management Department and Jonathan Carpenter, Assistant Director of the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship. The Appstate delegation was impressed by Dr. Vezi-Magigaba's dedication to her students and to her work with Enactus, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowerment through entrepreneurship. After that initial meeting, Dr. Vezi-Magigaba was invited both to teach and to help found a chapter of Enactus here on campus, a project she is currently advising in collaboration with the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship.

During her time here at App State, she is also seeking to deepen the ties between App State and Unizulu in areas beyond the College of Business. Appalachian and Unizulu already have a formal partnership agreement in place, and several areas of both universities are already collaborating on joint projects.

The Walker College of Business is thrilled to have Dr. Vezi-Magigaba on campus this semester. “We strive to bring cross-cultural exposure to the classroom through international faculty," states Dr. Martin Meznar. "We are very honored to have Dr. Vezi-Magigaba visiting from the University of Zululand, South Africa.”

When asked to describe one lesson she has learned from joining academia, Dr. Vezi-Magigaba replied; “When tasks are assigned to you, you put 100% effort to complete them and do them with enthusiasm and determination because someone out there is watching you. The word "can’t" does not exist in my vocabulary. I am here at your University because "I can."

This year, Dr. Vezi-Magigaba will be the guest speaker at the Walker College of Business International Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 8th and will be presenting at Appalachian Global Symposium on Wednesday, November 20th. Come out and hear from her. She can be reached by email at vezimagigabamf@appstate.edu.

Walker College of Business International Programs

Walker College of Business International Programs encourages students to study abroad and provides a variety of short-term international programs designed to develop international business skills and intercultural knowledge. These faculty-led programs have proven to be invaluable for many students. The Walker College of Business also offers students the opportunity to develop international business skills through either a BSBA in International Business or an International Business Minor. The International Business (IB) major was established in 2002. The major is designed to prepare students for a career in international business or public service through the development of competency in a foreign language and cultural awareness and providing students with specialized international business skills. For more information on degree requirements, please visit International Business (BSBA).

Enactus

Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that provides a platform for teams of outstanding university students to create community development projects that put people's own ingenuity and talents at the center of improving their livelihoods. It is the mission of Enactus to improve the world through entrepreneurial action, and the work Enactus students perform not only transforms the lives of the people served, but in turn, also transforms the lives of the participating students as they develop into more effective, values-driven leaders. For information on how to join the Appalachian State chapter of Enactus, fill out this interest form.

Management Department

The Department of Management at Appalachian State University prepares future leaders who will help their organizations thrive, their communities prosper, and our society flourish. The department has an interdisciplinary and diverse faculty who prepare leaders to address the complex global challenges of our time with empathy, vision, integrity, innovativeness, and perseverance. The Department of Management offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to prepare students for a variety of managerial responsibilities in today's dynamic environment. The student who is studying management will acquire relevant knowledge and skills necessary for success in a variety of small, medium and large organizations.

Walker College of Business