New Barry Business Dean Mandakovic Focuses On Values As He Seeks International Education Ties To Local Companies

Barry University’s accredited Andreas School of Business offers solid curriculum, innovative community programs and life lessons in ethics, new Dean Tomislav Mandakovic says. Now, he wants the world to know.

"I think we have a good school with values and a good place located in the heart of Miami," he says. "It’s like they put a good business in your hands, and all you have to do is go out and sell it."

Mr. Mandakovic joins Barry this month after serving as associate dean of the Florida International University College of Business Administration’s Chapman Graduate School of Business. There, he had a hand in myriad international programs. He intends to bring some of that global focus to Barry.

"My idea here is to have a center of excellence for international education available to international students, high standards and again always looking at the ethics component," he says.

He plans also to build relationships with the local business community. "I’m looking for a lot of ties," Mr. Mandakovic says. "I don’t believe in the motto of going out and asking for help. I do believe in the motto of going and building partnerships with businesspeople." He sees a challenge in transitioning from large institution to small but is attracted by Barry’s intimate class sizes.

Though as dean he’s not meant to teach, Mr. Mandakovic plans to find a way into the classroom. "I’m not supposed to," he says, "but I think I’d die if I didn’t teach." He shared his vision with Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky shortly before taking over at Barry.

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