New CITD director named
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Andrew Ranson has been named director of the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development (CITD).
The CITD, founded in 1988, seeks to elevate the visibility of and access to international trade opportunities to grow and retain Oklahoma’s best and brightest students, entrepreneurs and companies through the development of knowledge, a powerful network and essential trade related resources. It is part of the School of Global Studies and Partnerships (SGSP) at Oklahoma State University.
Ranson has extensive experience in business strategy, process improvement and cultural dynamics. He previously advised executives across a variety of industries, spending more than 20 years as a business consultant, working with organizations in Oklahoma, across the United States and in Asia. As CITD director, Ranson will focus on increasing the center’s visibility and impact across OSU and Oklahoma.
“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our team,” said Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of the SGSP. “His background and commitment to global issues are a valuable addition to the CITD and will help to further our mission of globalizing OSU and the state of Oklahoma.”
The CITD operates a fully accredited International Trade Center, directed by Anthony Cambas, that is part of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and the Oklahoma Small Business Administration network. It advises and supports entrepreneurs and businesses with expertise and assistance in navigating complex trade processes. Cambas and Ranson will work together to continue to build this program alongside research, events and other value-added services of the CITD.
Ranson received his bachelor’s degree in Asian studies from Dartmouth College and his MBA from Oklahoma Baptist University. He has a strong international background and has spent several years working with organizations abroad. Ranson also pursued graduate-level study at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in Nanjing, China, and is proficient in Mandarin Chinese.
The OSU School of Global Studies and Partnerships serves as the focal point for OSU’s global engagement and legacy. The school has developed educational, research and outreach programs on a global scale and oversees active partnerships in dozens of countries. SGSP’s students, faculty, and alumni have an impact in more than 55 countries, and the school is dedicated to creating knowledge and sharing it with the global community, in keeping with its commitment as a land-grant institution. SGSP consists of the School of Global Studies Master’s Program, the OSU Study Abroad Office, the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development, the English Language Institute at OSU, the U.S.-UPAEP Liaison Office, the China Programs Office and the Office of International Students and Scholars.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Bildstein Wanzer | School of Global Studies and Partnerships | 405-744-6179 | sarah.bildstein@okstate.edu