FDU Announces New Vice President for International Operations and Interim Leadership for ISHSTM
June 6, 2024 – Fairleigh Dickinson University is pleased to announce the appointment of John Niser as Vice President for International Operations, effective immediately. In this critical role, John will oversee the operations of FDU’s Vancouver Campus and Wroxton College, as well as manage the study abroad partnerships and United Nations and Global Scholars programs. John will report directly to Frank Barra.
A distinguished military veteran, John brings extensive international experience and executive leadership to FDU. Since joining the University in 2018 as the Director of the International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management (ISHSTM), he has spearheaded post-pandemic recovery efforts, driven student enrollment growth, enhanced curricula, and strengthened industry collaborations. His initiatives, including the Immersion Studies program and high-impact learning practices, have significantly aligned our programs with industry needs.
Prior to his tenure at FDU, John held various executive roles at renowned educational institutions worldwide. His career highlights include earning a Michelin star at the Geneva Hilton in Switzerland and leading a successful turnaround at Glion Institute of Higher Education, where he achieved NEASC accreditation, diversified programs, and expanded international enrollment. His leadership culminated in the acquisition of Glion by Laureate, after which he served as CEO of both Les Roches and Glion. In the United States, John has held pivotal positions at the University of New Hampshire and Purdue University, contributing to their educational excellence and operational efficiency.
John’s blend of international experience and high-level leadership is expected to further elevate FDU’s global presence and foster continued academic excellence.
Simultaneously, we are excited to announce the appointment of Jarrett Bachman as the Interim Director of ISHSTM. Jarrett, a Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at FDU’s Vancouver Campus and Scholar-in-Residence at Destination British Columbia, joined FDU in 2016 and has since served as Associate Director of the school. Before his tenure at FDU, Jarrett was the Lead Faculty of the Bachelor of Science program in Sustainable Hospitality Management at California State University, Monterey Bay.
Residing in Vancouver, Canada, Jarrett also serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) and the School of Hospitality and Tourism at Selkirk College in British Columbia.