Prior to the role at Blackwell Global University, Professor Roberts served at Oxford’s Saïd Business School as Academic Director of the Oxford Programme on Negotiation.
In an exclusive interview, Negocios Magazine had the privilege of speaking with Professor Sherman D. Roberts, President of Blackwell Global University. Professor Roberts is positioned as a leading figure in education and research based on his extensive academic and executive achievements. His contributions to the fields of leadership and negotiation continue to inspire and shape the next generation of leaders in business and beyond.
Negocios Magazine: Welcome, Professor Roberts; your reputation precedes you. It’s a pleasure to have you with us.
Professor Roberts: The pleasure is all mine.
NM: Professor Roberts, you have a remarkable career spanning several prestigious institutions that significantly impacted the field of education around the globe. Can you tell us more about your background and experience in executive education?
PR: I am currently the President of Blackwell Global University, a university based in Orlando, Florida, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Spanish and English locally and globally. Prior to Blackwell Global University, I served at Oxford’s Saïd Business School as Academic Director of the Oxford Programme on Negotiation, and before that, at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government as the Director of Executive Seminars, where my programs attracted over 8,000 participants. While at Harvard, I established The Ivy Faculty Consortium, a renowned executive education network comprising faculty from universities such as Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, and other top institutions. I have worked with many luminaries, including three Nobel laureates.
NM: What are your research interests and areas of expertise?
PR: The areas to which I contribute with research and writing, revolve around negotiation, leadership, and fundamental processes of human performance.
NM: Have you held other academic positions beyond the Anglo market?
PR: Living in South America I became fluent in Spanish and held various positions at the Simón Bolívar University in Caracas, Venezuela, including Head of the Behavior Analysis and Behavior Modification Department and Member of the Dean’s Committee for the Evaluation of Scientific Research. I also served as Head of Teachers’ Education in the Free Studies Program. I led a team of Professors through the Extension Service, collaborating with prominent Venezuelan industrial companies to address productivity and human resources challenges.
NM: Can you tell us about your career outside of higher education?
PR: Certainly. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have held marketing positions. I was Head of Marketing and Market Research at the National Savings and Loan Bank of Venezuela, a key institution within the country’s National Savings and Loan system. Later, I assumed the role of Director of Marketing for Banco Provincial, a Venezuelan branch of the renowned Crédit Lyonnais.
NM: Your accomplishments are truly remarkable. Any other noteworthy aspects you’d like to mention to us?
PR: I won several national-level triathlons and I am a seven-time first-place winner in my age group at the Boston Triathlon, winning between ‘09 and ‘22.” Additionally, I had the honor of being part of Team USA in two World Championships. I continue to compete and am committed to advancing sportsmanship and athletic excellence among our youth.
NM: One last question, Professor Roberts; as a distinguished academic with a wealth of experience, we’d like to hear your thoughts on Blackwell Global University. What are your expectations for the institution you lead?
PR: My expectations and goals for Blackwell Global University revolve around our commitment to empowering students, advancing knowledge, and making a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. As an educational institution, we recognize the potential to improve learning opportunities and make education more accessible to all. This is the reason why we prioritize academic excellence, via a faculty composed of educators who have a strong background attending and teaching at top US and global universities, and extensive business experience. We also foster a vibrant and inclusive community and leverage technology effectively to deliver innovative and engaging educational experiences.
NM: Best of luck Professor Roberts. We are sure that under your leadership, Blackwell Global University will stand as an exemplary academic institution, leading the way in global education and inspiring future leaders. Thank you for your time today.
PR: It has been a pleasure to speak with you.
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