Devi R. Gnyawali, associate professor of management in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech, recently received the university's 2008 Alumni Award for Excellence in International Education.

Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, the Alumni Award for Excellence in International Education is presented annually to a Virginia Tech faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on international education at the university. Selection is based upon contributions to the internationalization of Virginia Tech, the impact on students, the impact on the campus and community, the significance of the initiative, and the sustainability of the initiative. Recipients are awarded a $2,000 cash prize.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1997, Gnyawali has made many contributions in the area of international programs. For the past five years, he has led the study abroad programs in Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. In doing so, he has facilitated visits to major American, Japanese, and Korean companies in the counties visited and conversations with managers about management practices and challenges. He also facilitates homes stays with Japanese families for students to experience Japanese culture and encourages students to experience a balance of country-specific aspects such language and culture and business visits.

Gnyawali has also worked with several universities and organizations overseas to develop and strengthen international collaborations. He worked with faculty and staff of Konkuk University in South Korea to initiate and establish a formal collaborative relationship. He also initiated new conversations for collaborations with several other universities in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

He has also made many contributions to curriculum development and international teaching, and has taught several courses related to international management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Gnyawali received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Share this story