University of Minnesota Awarded Grant to Open Center for International Business Education and Research

The U.S. Department of Education awarded the University of Minnesota a $1.5 million grant to establish a Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at the Carlson School of Management. The new center will join a network of 33 institutions focused on increasing and promoting the nation's capacity for international understanding and advancement of global business issues.

The new center plans to focus on three areas: emerging markets, environmental sustainability, and less-commonly taught languages. The U of M CIBER will serve businesses and educators in Minnesota and is expected to also become a resource for Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  

“Business outreach and collaboration with companies on international issues have long been a hallmark of the Carlson School of Management,” said Michael Houston, Carlson School associate dean of International Programs and U of M CIBER director. “This grant will build on and leverage what we’re already doing to further benefit companies, educational institutions and other units within the University.”

The center expects to introduce several business outreach activities that will expose regional and national business leaders to sustainability as well as provide resourses and programs for educators.

“Being awarded a CIBER adds depth and breadth to the University of Minnesota’s and the Carlson School’s increasingly diverse international portfolio, and is further recognition of our dedication to introducing students to the world at every opportunity,” said Meredith McQuaid, associate vice president and dean of the University’s Office of International Programs. “The grant will result in connections and outcomes that will benefit our campus, our community, our region and our world.”

Minnesota’s Congressional delegation and the governor’s office supported the University of Minnesota’s grant application. The University will match federal funds it receives over the next four years.

University officials are currently conducting a search for the center’s managing director and will begin operations in the early fall.