Written By April Lewis
For 10 years, Dr. Swinder Janda has influenced hundreds of K-State students by providing opportunities to travel abroad and learn about the globalization of business.
With the goal of preparing students to succeed in the globalized world of business, Janda implemented a short and affordable study abroad program for students during spring break. The professor of marketing and the Robert M. Edgerley Chair in International Business has now developed 15 trips for his students to several countries including Argentina, Belgium, Chile, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. While there, students get the opportunity to visit several large companies and learn about international business issues. 
Janda greatly attributes these opportunities to the Robert M. Edgerley Chair in International Business and says he would not be able to do what he is capable of now without the financial support of the chair.
“The Edgerley chair has been a tremendous asset to me both in terms of advancing my research and my efforts to disseminate cutting-edge knowledge to my students,” Janda said. “It allows me to travel to international conferences where I can develop contacts to be able to advance my research. Then I am able to familiarize myself with these environments and put together business visits, cultural events, lodging and transportation in a way that is affordable for most students.”
Emphasizing student participation in a broad range of learning and student activities, including increased opportunities to develop multicultural and global competencies, is one way K-State is striving toward becoming a top 50 public research university by 2025.
Through donors like the Edgerley family and professors like Dr. Janda, students are able to maximize their potential while obtaining invaluable experiences that will prepare them to enter the global workforce.
“By their generosity, alums like the Edgerley family are substantially contributing to our efforts to prepare our students for a great future in a globalized world,” Janda said.
What’s next?
Learn more about the Robert M. Edgerley Chair in International Business
Supporting the College of Business Administration
Ways to give to K-State