Staff Spotlight: Robert Sandruck

Robert Sandruck serves as the director of the Office of Global Programs and has been with the Poole College of Management since December 2011. Sandruck earned his Bachelor of Science in economics from Towson University in 1988 and his Master of Education from the University of South Carolina in 1990.

As the director of global programs, Sandruck is responsible for managing a portfolio of programs to assist students in developing a global mindset. He also works with faculty to foster collaboration with academic partners located around the globe.

Work at Poole College

What is the most common question you receive at work?

“How much fun is it to travel to Europe, Asia, etc. for your job?” While I enjoy traveling, I am there for work. I visit our partners, travel with our students and develop new programs for Poole. For instance, I have been to China four to five times since working at Poole, but I have only been to Shanghai and have not had the time to visit other cities. I am there for 12-15 hour workdays, so yes it is nice to travel but it is not a vacation.

Do you currently serve on any of the university committees, peer groups, etc.?

I currently serve on the International Operations Committee (IOC), the Prague Center Advisory Board, the Intensive English Program (IEP) Advisory Board, and the Global Perspective Certificate (GPC) Advisory Board.

What do you see as the greatest strengths of Poole College?

I am a visionary, futuristic person and that manifests itself in my job. I have been fortunate to be in a place where we have been able to create all of the programs our office has now. Over the past nine years, we have developed many successful programs and have drastically increased the number of students who study abroad.

What advice would you give a staff member who has recently joined Poole College?

Make an extra effort to meet other staff and faculty in the college. It is easy to be siloed in one specific area of your job. Knowing others makes the college more personable and can develop partnerships within Poole.

Professional Accomplishments

What project that you completed at Poole you are most proud of?

The overall portfolio of undergraduate study abroad programs. That starts with the summer programs to top-quality semester exchange programs, to the International Business Dual Degree (IBDD) Program. We provide students with programs that meet their needs and the support that helps them achieve their goals.

What professional organizations are you currently a member of?

I am currently a member of NAFSA, which is the Association of International Educators; Consortium of Undergraduate International Business Educators (CUIBE); and International Partnership of Business Schools (IPBS) where I serve on the Program Director’s Committee.

Life Outside of Poole

Where were you born and what countries/states/cities did you live in?

I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but I have also lived in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and New York.

When you are not at Poole College, what do you enjoy doing for fun?

I love to cook as I am a retired chef. I also enjoy woodworking, playing tennis and traveling (I am up to 23 countries).

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment outside of work?

Raising two smart, talented daughters and celebrating my 22 years of marriage with Dr. Audrey Jaeger.