Over the course of 52 years in higher education, my work has been guided by a deep commitment to nurturing potential – in students, colleagues and institutions. While my career has spanned continents, disciplines and roles, the last eight years in Vietnam have been among the most transformative. Serving as Dean of The Business School during this period, I've witnessed first-hand how values rooted in imagination, empathy, emotional intelligence and global perspective can prepare students not just for careers, but for meaningful lives.
This year, our school achieved AACSB accreditation - a landmark moment in the 25th year of our university's presence in Vietnam. It was more than a recognition of academic rigour; it was a celebration of a culture built on collaboration, resilience and student-centred growth. I see this achievement as a culmination of years of nurturing environments where students are encouraged to lead, innovate and connect across borders.
Professor Robert McClelland with his Executive Team of The Business School, RMIT University Vietnam
One of the proudest moments in my recent career came during a student-led entrepreneurship showcase. A young woman, once hesitant to speak in public, stood confidently before a panel of international judges, presenting a business model rooted in local sustainability.
Her journey - from quiet classroom participant to empowered changemaker - reflected the very essence of what drives my work.
It wasn't just her success; it was the visible impact of a learning environment that values courage, emotional intelligence, mentorship and cultural empathy.
Throughout my career, I've championed initiatives that blend academic excellence with real-world relevance. In Vietnam, we offer leadership development programs, coaching for international competitions, embedded coaching and mentoring into the curriculum and foster partnerships with industry that give students hands-on experience. These efforts are not just about employability; they are about cultivating self-awareness, adaptability and purpose.
The interplay of nature and nurture has shaped my own path. While I may have leaned toward curiosity and leadership, it was the nurturing influence of family, mentors and diverse environments that truly defined my career. I've lived and worked in over a dozen countries, and each experience has deepened my belief in the power of inclusion and emotionally intelligent education.
As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded that the true measure of our work, and its impact, lies not in titles or accolades, but in the lives we touch. By giving academic and professional staff opportunities to develop, encouraging them to be their best, we enable our school staff to prepare students for what's next. It means equipping them with more than knowledge - it means giving them the confidence to lead, the empathy to connect and the courage to create change.
That is the legacy I strive to leave. And that is the future I believe we are building - one student at a time.
