Keuka College has named alumna Ruby Nguyen its new partnership director for international programs in Vietnam, putting her in charge of efforts to expand the college’s business programs at two universities and launch a new marketing degree.
Nguyen, a 2012 graduate, will oversee Keuka College programs at the University of Economics and Finance in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam National University International School in Hanoi. More than 500 students are currently pursuing Keuka College bachelor’s degrees in business management through the two partnerships.
In her new role, Nguyen will focus on growing the existing management programs and helping launch a new marketing degree at the University of Economics and Finance.
“I want all these programs to be recognized as premier pathways for Vietnamese students who want an American education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and career readiness,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen began her own college career through Keuka’s partnership with Vietnam National University International School, studying management with a concentration in international business before transferring to the Keuka Park campus as a junior.
She said the transition helped shape her confidence and career direction, including through Keuka’s Field Period program. Nguyen later interned with a fashion label in New York City and became involved in student mentoring and leadership development.
“Those opportunities were formative,” she said. “They also confirmed something important for me: My true passion was in developing people, not products.”
Since graduating, Nguyen has held leadership roles at several educational institutions in Vietnam, with a focus on international collaboration.
Keuka College Vice President Pete Bekisz said Nguyen’s experience across the college’s U.S. and international programs gives her a strong understanding of the institution’s academic model.
“No one knows all our campuses like she does, and she’ll be key in building academic communities that reflect Keuka College’s identity while evolving with Vietnam’s dynamic business landscape,” Bekisz said.
Keuka College launched its first overseas degree program in 2002 and has continued building international partnerships since then.
Nguyen described her return to the college in a leadership role as “a full-circle moment,” saying her goal is to help more students gain access to the same type of education she received.
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