Page 28 - Laker Connection 2014

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a 20-month, fast-track program. Students whose time is already at a premium in their roles as executives benefit from a course structure that allows for contin- uous full-time work outside class. International stu- dents – a sector Dadpay knows well -- also benefit from a structure that meets the full-time program of study requirement, while allowing maximum time during the traditional
academic week for study and preparation. MBA courses meet primarily every other Saturday for nine hours, and utilize on- line components to in- crease students’ ability to use technology and to help students use their time most effec- tively.
The MBA is offered in a lock-step, cohort for- mat to build stronger relationships among students so as to increase communication and the sharing of ex- periences. Reflecting Dadpay’s interest and expertise, the curriculum is rigorous and is designed to prepare graduates to operate successfully in a rapidly changing global world of business.
Dadpay claims he didn’t plan to work solely in the United States after college, but that it became the natural choice.
“This industry works better than any other. In most countries faculty have to work multiple jobs and don’t have the access we have here to the international scene,” argues Dadpay.
Despite being happy about living and working the U.S., Dadpay states that he misses home often and goes back at least twice a year to visit.
__ Samantha Watson
Economics is an interesting topic. Everybody feels like it’s boring or very serious but every student deals with it on a daily and hourly basis. I focus
on their life experiences rather than on theories, which helps connect the dots for them. Relating it to daily lives is a very fun experience.
faculty profile
DR. ALI DADPAY
HE ALWAYS WANTED TO TEACH
Ialways knew I wanted to teach, but being a
college professor is something I arrived at rather than something I always wanted to do,” states Assistant Dean and Master’s of Busi- ness Administration Director and Assistant
Professor of Economics, Dr. Ali Dadpay.
An Iranian native, Dadpay received his Bache-
lor of Science in Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran in 1997. He then continued his studies in the United States at Virginia Polytechnic In- stitute and State University, where he obtained his master’s degree in 2001. Dadpay then attended the UniversityofWisconsin-Milwaukeewhereheearned his Ph.D. in Economics in 2007 - the subject he now teaches at Clayton State University.
Dadpay is an expert on the economic affairs of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the eco- nomic evolution of societies and the global market- place. He often writes in Persian-speaking media in Tehran on economic affairs, the effects of sanctions and other things related to the global development process. He also is an expert in strategic interactions between governments and private sectors in global and multinational markets.
Dadpay followed his father’s footsteps by mov- ing to the United States in 2000. He wanted to see the world and pursue his dream of being an economist. After graduating with his doctorate he went immedi- ately into industry as a consultant where he stayed for four years.
He began seeking work as a professor because he liked teaching and excelled at it in graduate school. Clayton State was his first teaching job post gradua- tion and after several years of teaching, he was pro- moted to Assistant Dean of the MBA program in August 2012.
Clayton State’s MBA program is for experi- enced professionals who are seeking to move their ca- reers to the next level and beyond over the course of
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THE LAKER CONNECTION