Originally from Manchester, England, Dr. Brown has been in higher education for nearly 35 years either as a researcher (nuclear physics), faculty member or executive administrator; 15 years of this time was spent at Princeton and Yale. Dr. Brown has been President or chief executive officer of 4 different institutions and chief academic officer of two colleges. Dr. Brown has lived in 5 different countries and has visited about 50 countries in total. The globalization of education, providing comprehensive educational opportunities and support, and visionary institutional effectiveness, partnerships, planning and development, are areas where Dr. Brown has had particular success. Most recent presentation: Rethinking Education – Keynote at International E-Business Expo, Hangzhou, China – October 2016


Mr. Cardec has over 20 years experience in different academic areas including teaching, international affairs (Assistant Vice-President for Internationalization, University of Central Florida), faculty development, design and implementation of study abroad programs and student affairs (Director, Florida State University-Panama). Mr. Cardec also has 10 years of experience in planning and administration in a wide variety of areas like environmental protection and economic development. Living in a multicultural environment, Mr. Cardec has exceptional skills in working with different populations, cultures and educational systems, as well as in the governmental and the private economic sectors. In addition, Mr. Cardec has a wealth of experience in the development and implementation of alternative solutions.

Dr. Williamson has over 20 years of experience as an educator in student affairs, instruction, policy and leadership. Dr. Williamson’s experience includes developing programs to prepare students for college, teaching freshman college success courses, and building K-12 partnerships. Committed to 21st century learning; Dr. Williamson is a proponent of service learning, co-curricular activities and curriculum that promotes innovation and critical thinking. Dr. Williamson earned her Doctorate of Education, Masters of Public Administration, and Bachelors of Science Magna Cum Laude all from University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

John Ryder has 35 years’ experience in higher education as a professor of philosophy, and 25 years’ experience in university administration in public and private universities in the US and abroad. He has served as a Department Chair, Dean, Director of International Programs, Provost, and CEO at universities in New York, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates, and as director of a collaborative program between the State University of New York and Moscow State University. He also served ten years as President of the Alliance of Universities for Democracy, working with universities across the US and Europe. Dr. Ryder’s expertise is in academic leadership, international education, accreditation, and working with young, even start-up universities.