India, Inc.

Posted on August 17, 2007 by David Gray

Read anything about the flattening global economy and outsourcing these days and you can’t escape the conclusion that the capitalistic future of planet Earth will include participation by, and significant contributions from, men and women in geographies outside the historical mainstream of worldwide commerce. India comes immediately to mind. There are others, of course.

For years, the most reliable escape from an impoverished nation and an intractable caste or class system has been education. A college degree from a credible institution has consistently transcended cultural limitations of long-standing tradition. Today this is probably more true than ever before.

A Western education, of course, while not the only source of transcendency, is nevertheless one of the most coveted, one with perhaps the greatest cachet. And yet, mere cachet is of little value as compared to an education from a source that delivers some of the world’s most foremost thinkers and educators on subjects of the most significant value in defining the world of the future.

That’s why today I wanted to write not just to our mainstream national American audience of would-be and current students and our faculty and staff, but to the people in distant nations who might be visiting here simply because the Internet makes it possible and anything American is of interest. UMassOnline can grant you access to that Western education if you qualify. And, that Western education may be the most important source of economic and intellectual freedom you gain. It can impact your career prospects more than any other decision you may make in your lifetime.

But you should consider this: There are many sources of degree programs you can access online from Western universities and colleges. Why UMassOnline? To me, the answer seems both simple and obvious, but as CEO of UMassOnline I’m biased. Therefore, you be the judge.

Massachusetts is a high technology, biotechnology, and health care “mecca.” The best and brightest from all over the world come to our region to study and practice in these fields of expertise among peers equally qualified. It is from these ranks we draw our distinguished world-class faculty.

I personally invite you to examine our online college program offerings. Not only do I think our curriculum would benefit you, but I know your presence online and participation with our current student body would enrich the experience for all. Increasingly, I believe we exist in one world, a unified planet Earth, a place where diversity of thought may be the most important attribute in a person’s growth, development and cross-cultural understanding. In the long run, an educated world population will yield a more prosperous, more productive, and more peaceful global community.

Plus, in the not-too-distant future, our plan for students at great distances may include an optional segment of study by which the final instruction phase can take place here, within the confines of our traditional classrooms and campuses. Few things I can think of would better complete any course of study than to live and learn amongst us while you bring to our appreciation an understanding of the texture of your culture. Increasingly, however, you will be the judge of what medium of learning best fits your individual circumstances and learning style. Our goal at UMassOnline is to empower you with choice.