UOG School of Business and Public Administration engages, challenges, progresses

For the first time in its rich history spanning seven decades, the University of Guam is extending its traditional Charter Day to Charter Month. Because, let's face it: a single day - historically March 9 - isn't enough to contain the wealth of contributions the institution of higher learning has made to not only Guam, but throughout the region in the fields of academics, training and research.

And at the core of one of the key colleges covering a wide range of disciplines is a mantra that's equally simple and effective.

"The School of Business and Public Administration is always about engagement," detailed Dr. Annette Santos.  She's served as dean of UOG's School of Business and Public Administration for the past seven years, overseeing one of the most-active programs on the Mangilao campus, producing some of the most in-demand degrees with global relevance and local sensitivity.

"Whether they're academic programs, certificates, workshops or training, to transform them into someone better than when they had come in," she said.

Fittingly, with a broad offering of degrees, the strengths of SBPA are in its diversity and expansion to stay current with a competitive marketplace.

"What we are doing is diversifying what we offer," noted Dr. Santos. "We're identifying more cooperative ways to work with our partner institutions - the Guam Community College is right next door, our K-12 pipeline, our career technical centers."

This empowers young minds with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to meet the demands of the marketplace of today and tomorrow.

"When we think about the workplace of the future, we're thinking about increased automation through technology. We're thinking about hybrid working arrangements," she said.

Students learn the essentials of capitalism, competition, community service and critical thinking, becoming capable managers hungry to contribute to, and ultimately lead, organizations in business, government and criminal justice, across the private, public and federal sectors. UOG's strategic alliances locally and throughout the region make this a reality.

Dr. Santos also looks proudly upon the school's unique ability to create and manage opportunity. This is in no small part best exhibited in new planned programs, saying, "One of the things I'm most proud of is launching our Masters of Accountancy program."

"Augmentations to the bachelor's degree, and the master's degree…we are looking at adding a possible doctoral program, so we're exploring that right now. Definitely microcredentialing and badging, so small incremental learning opportunities along the way."

And there's the key word, which SBPA prides itself in embodying: opportunity. Looking ahead, Dr. Santos encourages all Tritons - past, present, and future - to be lifelong learners, to always strive for excellence, to see the true value in any accomplishment, and to honor the college's mission.

She said in summation, "We have an opportunity to impact lives and give people an upward step in terms of economic mobility, career advancement, and becoming meaningful contributors."

 

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Jason Salas is from UOG's Class of 1996, and a proud graduate of SBPA.