Lairson Named to Chair of International Business

April 19, 2001

Thomas D. Lairson, who has taught political science at Rollins since 1976, has been appointed the first holder of the college's Ronald G. and N. Jayne Gelbman Chair of International Business. Lairson, who has conducted research on the global semiconductor industry and international political economy, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Professor Lairson is one of the founding members of the international business major at Rollins.

"Tom is a recognized leader, both within his discipline and among Rollins' faculty," said President Rita Bornstein. "He is an excellent scholar and teacher and has pioneered for Rollins in Web-based instruction."

The endowed faculty chair was established earlier this year with the support of an anonymous donor and trustee and alumnus Ronald Gelbman. The Gelbman Chair bring to 18 the total number of endowed chairs at Rollins.

"I am honored and humbled by this award and believe that it marks another step toward integrating the study of international business and the liberal arts at Rollins," said Lairson.

The international business major was introduced at Rollins three years ago to provide students the opportunity to study international business from a liberal arts perspective. During this relatively short period, the major has become one of Rollins' most popular fields of study.