Outstanding Service Learning Faculty Award
Jessie Perius, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management, COB
Learning takes on many forms and with Dr. Jessie Perius at the helm, that learning is immersive, active, and applicable to real-world business.
In Spring 2024, Dr. Perius introduced a course now titled BMGT 494 - International Business: Portugal. The course was intended to be a pilot course that fulfilled the international business requirement for MSU Billings management students but included a creative component: travel to Portugal for collaborative learning with Portuguese students. Working with the Office of International Studies at MSU Billings and College of Business colleagues, Dr. Perius hammered out details on getting MSUB students to Portugal and Portuguese students to MSUB.
The course contained an important service-learning component which partnered with businesses in the state of Montana and manufacturers in Portugal to provide one-of-a-kind experiences for students to present a business plan for international expansion for the Portugal manufacturer. Students visited the manufacturing location, conducted research in the Montana market, and after both student groups from MSUB and IPSGAYA University visited the other鈥檚 campuses. The goal was to have students present their business plan for international expansion to the manufacturer.
The nominator for her award noted that Dr. Perius鈥� impact on students and the College of Business was profound.
鈥淭his very unique project has developed a solid partnership between the two universities, has strengthened international exposure for students, has provided research opportunities for students and faculty involved.鈥�
The project continues with high interest from students. And thanks to Dr. Perius鈥� involvement, a complex international project has been transformed into a high-impact learning experience recognized by faculty, students and community members.