Dobrina Jandik Named April 2026 Cordes Chair

Dr. Dobrina Jandik, teaching professor of finance in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, has been named the April 2026 Cordes Chair by the Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center (TFSC) for her outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at the U of A.

Each academic year, TFSC selects six faculty members as Cordes Chairs, recognizing excellence in teaching, innovation and a sustained commitment to student success. As part of this honor, Cordes Chairs present a public lecture sharing practices and approaches that enhance learning across the university.

Jandik's Cordes Chair Lecture, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Global Learning Without Borders, highlighted how faculty can create meaningful international learning experiences. Students develop highly sought after skills without having to travel. COIL connects students from different countries through shared, faculty-designed coursework focused on collaboration across cultures and time zones. 

In her International Finance courses, Jandik partners with Symbiosis University in India, allowing students to work in international teams on real-world financial topics. More than 300 Walton College students have participated in COIL experiences through courses taught by her and other faculty members, gaining global perspectives and professional skills at no additional cost.

During the lecture, Jandik encouraged faculty to find their own voice and reflected on the evolution of her own teaching—from traditional lecture-based approaches to flipped classrooms, active learning and global collaboration. She emphasized that COIL serves as an accessible entry point to global learning, particularly for students who may not be able to study abroad, while often encouraging interest in future international experiences.

The Cordes Chair Program honors the legacy of University Professor Emeritus Wally Cordes and supports TFSC's mission to advance evidence-based, student-centered teaching. Cordes Chairs contribute to a growing campus community dedicated to innovative instruction and meaningful learning experiences for all students.