The Graduate School of Management (GSM) recently had the distinguished honor of welcoming Professor Robert C. M. Branch from the University of Georgia, United States of America, as part of an ongoing initiative to academic collaboration between Côte d’Ivoire and the United States.
This high-level visit forms part of a broader partnership supported by the United States Embassy, aimed at fostering stronger ties between tertiary institutions in Côte d’Ivoire and leading American universities. Professor Branch was accompanied by Mrs. Nina Toyo, EducationUSA Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy, whose presence further reinforced the commitment to expanding academic and professional opportunities for both faculty and students.
During his visit, Professor Branch engaged extensively with GSM faculty members in an interactive session focused on the evolving challenges of delivering quality education in today’s dynamic learning environment—particularly in the context of rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The discussions provided valuable insights into innovative teaching strategies, curriculum adaptation, and the integration of emerging technologies into higher education.
The Rector of GSM, Dr. Tandoh, expressed his deep appreciation for the visit, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange and international exposure. He highlighted that such engagements not only enrich academic experience but also position the institution to meet global standards of excellence.
Faculty members welcomed the opportunity to share their perspectives and challenges and expressed a strong interest in building sustainable partnerships with U.S. institutions. They invited Professor Branch to support future collaborative initiatives, including research partnerships, faculty exchange programs, and joint academic projects.
In her remarks, Ms. Nina Toyo encouraged faculty members to actively leverage platforms such as EducationUSA to explore collaboration opportunities, access resources, and build meaningful academic networks with American universities.
This visit marks a significant step in GSM’s strategic vision to become a subregional hub of academic excellence, driven by international partnerships, innovation, and continuous improvement in teaching and research.


