Koch named executive director of Center for International Education

Dr. Malcolm Koch, who has a background that spans political science, international relations, banking and trade, has been appointed executive director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Center for International Education.
He was named interim director in 2009 and has served as a lecturer in political science since 2007.
The center coordinates a wide range of international faculty and student exchange relationships, supports international internships, sponsors academic and professional speakers and assists UT Martin students and faculty to expand UT Martin global educational programs.
“Dr. Koch’s unique qualifications include a broad range of experiences in the international field. More importantly, his 15 years of living in other countries gives him contacts that will enhance the center’s speakers series and increase the number of students participating in international internships,” said Dr. Ernest Moser, College of Business and Global Affairs dean.
Koch is a non-traditional academic. After doing research in Germany and Austria toward his doctorate in international and comparative politics at Brandeis University, his goal was to begin his career by living and working abroad.
He joined the Global Credit Division at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, and this became the foundation of an international banking career that spanned more than 20 years on three continents.
Koch has worked for a U.S. bank in Germany, a German bank in New York, a U.S. bank in Bahrain and a Saudi bank in Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining the political science faculty and assuming leadership of the UT Martin Center for International Education, he worked in the International Department of First Tennessee Bank in Memphis.
Koch’s transition to academia took place in Memphis, when he was asked by then dean of the Business School at Christian Brothers University to teach a finance course.
Community service activities in Memphis included memberships in the International Business Council at the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Council of the Wang Center for International Business at the University of Memphis and serving as treasurer of the Tennessee Export Council of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
He also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Memphis.
“Dr. Koch’s extensive background in political science and global affairs makes him uniquely qualified to lead the UT Martin Center for International Education.
His effectiveness in program management has earned the respect of faculty and regional business leaders.
Most importantly, he adds great value to the educational experience of UT Martin students. We could not ask for a better point person for our global curricular and extracurricular activities,” said Dr. Tom Payne, Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking and Department of Accounting, Finance, Economics and Political Science interim chair.
As one of the first outside members of the UT Martin Global Studies Center Advisory Council, Dr. Koch was a frequent visitor to the campus.
When there was an opening in political science on campus, he received a term appointment. In addition to his role as director, he currently teaches upper division courses in international politics.
“I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity which UT Martin gave me to come here and teach,” said Koch.
“There is a direct relationship between what I am trying to do in the classroom and the activities and programs of the Center for International Education. This position at the center seemed to be a good fit for me, and I look at this as a further opportunity to be of service to the university and our wider community.

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