NYIT School of Management held its 1st Annual Industry Conference at Communication University of China (CUC) Beijing on May 13, 2017. The theme of the conference was “Strategies Innovations and Challenges of Integrated Learning,” and the objective was to provide a forum for educators to share high-impact educational practices and transformative learning experiences with students.

The conference presented a variety of topics throughout the day. For example, “Design Thinking for Today’s Business Students” described how to inspire design and creative thinking for business students by integrating and engaging students from different majors (Engineering, Fine Arts, etc.) in group projects, which was presented by Professor Anna Calluori Holcombe (University of Florida, School of Art and Art History). “Teaching is Best When Teaching is Real: Notes on the American Culture in Shanghai,” presented by Professor Jennifer Tarlin (University of Shanghai for Science and Technology), discussed engaging Chinese students using the American Culture Center in Shanghai as a case-study. Professor Beverly Butcher (Chair of English Department, NYIT Nanjing) presented “Foundations of Research Writing through a Study of Philippine History & Culture.” Furthermore, Mr. Francis Morin (Middle School Design Teacher, Nanjing International School) discussed designing work spaces to enhance creative learning and engagement of students in “NIS Design Center: Open-Space for Self-Directed Projects.” Professor Keh Kwek (Associate Campus Dean & Associate Dean SoM, NYIT Nanjing) presented “Using McGraw-Hill Connect to Enhance Learning Effectiveness in Corporate Finance.”

The other presenters at the conference included Professor Enrique Cedeno (NYIT SoM Director of Strategic Initiatives), Professor Li Mu (Southeast Univeristy), Professor Anya Hamrick (NYIT Najing, College of Arts & Sciences), Professor Boncho Dragiyski (NYIT Nanjing,College of Arts & Sciences), and Mr. Arthur Dong and Miss Daisy Yu (SoM Nanjing & Bejing Sophomore Students). Please see the conference program below to view the topics that were presented.

The event was attended by NUPT Associate Dean & Academic Coordinator, ICUC leadership and academic staff, NYIT Nanjing SoM full-time and adjunct instructors, NYIT Beijing Campus Dean and Beijing faculties, Monique Taylor, several NYIT Nanjing Discovery Core instructors, and Nanjing and Beijing SoM students.

Overall, the conference was a success! Conference participants and students gave very positive feedback on their experience. Professor Boncho Dragiyski, one of the presenters, stated, “Thank you for the honor to participate in such a wonderful conference. I have attended conferences in different corners of the world, but The 1st Annual Industry Conference was the best planned and executed event I have had the pleasure to be a part of. You were an excellent host and I congratulate you for this great success. I already look forward to the next edition of the conference!” Additionally, Professor Anya Hamrick stated, “I would like to second all the sentiments expressed so far: gratitude for Keh’s and SoM students’ professionalism and warm welcome, as well as for the opportunity for such rewarding exchange of ideas. Plus, it was just plain fun to get to know some of you! I hope we stay in touch and collaborate in the future.” Moreover, another presenter, Mr. Francis Morin stated, “Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to present with such warm and inspiring colleagues! I do agree that we should do so more often! Please know how much we appreciate all of your efforts in organizing this event with the assistance of your outstanding SOM team.” Congratulations to Professor Keh Kwek and everyone who worked towards making this conference such a success!