Their sustained efforts in opening the world to Missouri State University students have earned five College of Business (COB) faculty members special recognition from the office of education abroad.

The new recognition program highlights the dedication and impact of program directors who reached key program-number milestones.

Directors design enriching international programs and recruit and engage students. Their work creates transformative experiences that broaden cultural awareness and prepare students to become leaders in a global society.

Milestones of purpose and impact

The COB faculty members who received awards at this fall’s Education Abroad Faculty Reception included:

15 programs

• Marciann Patton, senior instructor, technology and construction management

10 programs

• Kent Ragan, associate dean and professor, finance, economics and risk management
• Chuck Hermans, professor, marketing
• David Mitchell, professor, finance, economics and risk management

5 programs

• Courtney Pham, senior instructor, marketing

These milestones represent years of planning, mentorship, partnership-building and impactful teaching across cultures and continents.

Global learning champions

Each faculty member has crafted various pathways into the world through programs that blend business, culture, service and discovery.

Patton has led programs across Europe and Asia, with her 19th planned for Japan in spring 2026. Her trips immerse students in iconic architecture, design history and local traditions.

“Watching students step into unfamiliar places and grow with every challenge is the greatest reward,” Patton said. “Their confidence, curiosity and sense of wonder remind me why global learning matters.”

Ragan has taken students to visit 12 countries worldwide and 10 business programs in New York. His curriculum connects classrooms to boardrooms, offering students rare access to top executives and cultural landmarks.

“Standing inside King Tut’s tomb in Egypt was a powerful reminder of how travel brings history to life,” he said.

Pham has led programs throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific, exploring emerging markets and global supply chains. Her programs blend business insights with cultural immersion and social entrepreneurship.

“When students return home with a broader view of the world and a deeper sense of who they are, that’s when I know the program has done its job,” she said.

Bringing learning to life

For these faculty members, the milestone recognition is meaningful and appreciated. But the real reward comes from seeing students grow in confidence, curiosity and global perspectives.

“This recognition represents years of shared experiences – airports, boardrooms, cultural exchanges and unforgettable moments,” Ragan said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know these programs continue to open doors for our students.”

Find out more about the College of Business