Smithfield, RI — Bryant University is proud to announce the formation of its Global Advisory Council, a strategic initiative designed to amplify the university’s global footprint and prepare students to lead in an interconnected world. The council convened for the first time on July 11 at the historic Lansdowne Club in London, England.
The Global Advisory Council furthers Bryant’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes and accelerates investments in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, economic mobility, and to create a connected community at an international level to chart a bold course for the university’s global future.
The council brings together a select group of distinguished alumni and partners from nearly 20 countries and a broad spectrum of industries. These influential leaders will serve as strategic advisors to university leadership and will support international recruitment, experiential learning, alumni engagement, and opportunities for global collaboration.
“Bryant has a proud history of graduates who make an impact not only in their communities, but around the world. The establishment of the Global Advisory Council is a natural evolution of that legacy, and an important step as we strengthen our position on the international stage,” says Ellen Wilson ’79, chair of Bryant University’s Board of Trustees. “With the council’s support and insight, Bryant is positioned to broaden its reach, deepen its global partnerships, and provide students with the skills and experiences that prepare them to lead and succeed anywhere in the world.”
A leader in international education, Bryant inspires students to discover the world, explore new ways of thinking, and share ideas that will fuel the future. They are empowered in this journey through programming that includes robust study abroad opportunities, globally minded coursework, and diverse international partnerships.
With alumni in nearly 100 countries and a current student body from nearly 50 countries, the university’s international faculty and leadership provide perspectives from around the world. Affirming Bryant's place among the elite institutions of higher education worldwide, the university recently earned a prestigious five-star excellence rating from QS Quacquarelli Systems.
"The launch of the Global Advisory Council is the next step in Bryant University’s rise as a global institution of high regard,” said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “As our rankings rise and our reputation for delivering strong outcomes continues to grow, this Council will help us extend our impact globally. With the insights and leadership of our distinguished members, we will strengthen international partnerships, expand opportunities for students, and ensure that Bryant remains at the forefront of global higher education.”
Drawing from a range of experiences and expertise, the council will offer insights on what it means to be globally aware and culturally fluent.
"To be effective leaders now and in the future, whether in business or in any other sector, our next generations must be equipped to both understand and operate successfully in a global context,” notes Honorary Council Chair Strive Masiyiwa P’17, founder and chairman of Econet Group and Cassava Technologies, with operations and investments across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, the UK, and the USA. Masiyiwa’s daughter, Vimbai Masiyiwa '17, chief executive officer and creative director of the Batoka Hospitality Group and a Bryant Presidential Executive in Residence, also sits on the council. “More than ever, it’s important that we work together with a global vision to ensure the education of our young people embraces not just STEM subjects, but also innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, ethics, financial literacy, and other skills and knowledge needed to lead in the brave new world ahead.”
The council’s first meeting reflected that spirit of collaboration. President Gittell opened the event with a State of the University address that outlined Bryant’s commitment to innovation, including its university-wide embrace of artificial intelligence, and also moderated a wide-ranging dialogue with Masiyiwa on the future of higher education in the current global landscape.
Throughout the day, council members, joined by Bryant faculty and leadership, engaged in robust discussions focused on expanding Bryant’s international reach, positioning the institution to take the lead amidst an AI revolution, deepen partnerships across borders, and enhance global experiential learning opportunities.
For more information, visit bryant.edu/discover-bryant/global-advisory-council.
About Bryant University
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu
