Kelley faculty: Driving global connections and shaping the future

The Kelley School of Business faculty embody a commitment to global impact, evidenced by the results of our recent Global Questionnaire. With 197 faculty participants, this survey reveals the breadth of Kelley’s international engagement—spanning teaching, research, consulting, and cross-cultural expertise. These insights highlight Kelley’s influence on the global stage and reinforce its role in preparing students for an interconnected world. 

Teaching across borders and cultures 

Kelley faculty members are deeply engaged in teaching across borders, bringing their expertise to classrooms worldwide and broadening their students’ perspectives. Since 2018, 43% of Kelley faculty reported they have participated in international teaching activities. Of these, 28% taught abroad, including leading Kelley’s study-abroad courses in places like Singapore, Hungary, and Guatemala. Through initiatives like GLOBASE, they also bring students to places like Ghana and Botswana to collaborate with local partners such as the Kosmos Innovation Center, applying business concepts in real-world, international settings. Other faculty connected their classrooms virtually with students and professors from different countries through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), collaborating with universities such as Tec de Monterrey in Mexico and Shenzhen University in China. These experiences shape Kelley’s students to think globally, preparing them for careers that transcend borders. 

Research with a global lens 

Kelley faculty are actively involved in research with a global reach, with half reporting international research activities since 2018. Among these, 20% traveled abroad for research, 21% conducted or published studies focused on non-U.S. countries, and 37% presented at international institutions. Faculty members have shared their insights across a diverse range of settings, from seminars on “Human Meets Digital Human” at KAIST in South Korea and Chang Gung University in Taiwan to conferences at ACR in Paris. Collaborations extend worldwide, involving institutions such as City University of Hong Kong, Technical University of Munich in Germany, and University of Sydney in Australia. This international research footprint not only enriches Kelley’s academic community but also contributes to a broader understanding of global business trends and challenges. 

Consulting, conferences, and knowledge exchange 

Kelley faculty’s international involvement extends well beyond teaching and research. Many participate in conferences hosted by institutions worldwide, making these global forums a central aspect of their engagement. Faculty have also contributed their expertise through consulting work abroad, partnering with businesses ranging from a Rwandan agricultural farm to a Mexican startup and a Chinese whiskey producer. Others have hosted international visitors, creating opportunities for collaboration and sharing knowledge. These efforts highlight Kelley’s dedication to fostering cross-border expertise and strengthening its global connections. 

Global expertise and language proficiency

Kelley faculty bring substantial international and cultural expertise to their work, with 78% indicating experience in global settings. Many have lived and worked in regions across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and 38% report proficiency in another language, including Mandarin, Hindi, Swahili, and Spanish. Beyond language skills, faculty offer deep insights into cultural and professional topics, making them valuable guest speakers and resources. Some can address region-specific issues, such as cross-cultural management in Brazil, cybersecurity in India, or brand management across Asia, while others explore global themes like digital transformation, LGBTQ rights in the Middle East, and well-being economies in Iceland and New Zealand. This diversity of expertise enriches Kelley’s academic and professional networks, fostering meaningful dialogues on global business and societal challenges. 

Interest in future engagement with global partners

A strong majority of Kelley faculty—83%—are eager to engage with Kelley’s primary global partners, reflecting a robust interest in advancing Kelley’s international reach and impact. Faculty expressed enthusiasm for teaching opportunities abroad, with 64% interested in teaching at a partner institution. Participation in conferences hosted by partner schools also garnered significant interest, attracting 61% of respondents. Additionally, nearly half (48%) are open to consulting work, while others showed interest in joint research (31%) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects (36%). 

Faculty interest spans multiple regions, with Europe (65%) and Asia (57%) as the top areas of focus. Latin America and Oceania also received substantial interest, at 47% and 40% respectively. Interest in Africa and the Middle East was noted as well, with 35% and 29% respectively expressing a desire to engage in these regions. This global interest and openness to diverse types of collaboration underscore the commitment of Kelley faculty to fostering deeper, multidimensional connections with partners worldwide, advancing Kelley’s mission of global engagement and education.