"It’s fun to be a pioneer. When you’re the first, there are no pre-set notions or expectations. There’s a lot of flexibility and you can design things as you see fit.”

- Maurice Hladik, Executive in Residence
Graduate School of Management and Technology

MyUMUC Story:

Maurice Hladik Brings Energy to the Educational Experience

When Maurice Hladik ran into his friend and colleague Jane Ross in Seoul, Korea, he couldn’t have imagined how the course of events would ultimately unfold.

Dr. Ross, MBA program director in global business at UMUC, remembered the impact Hladik’s lecture on globalization had at Korea Register of Shipping, and saw an opportunity to enhance her students’ formal coursework with contemporary, real-world experience. The demand for the topic seemed to respond perfectly to the school’s identified need for more practical, hands-on learning formats. She requested Hladik to conduct the lecture via teleconference to the students in the MBA program.  And so it began.  Maurice Hladik started service in the MBA program at UMUC in 2002 as a guest lecturer in the areas of sustainable business development and alternative sources of energy.

Possessing an engaging personality and a depth of unique business experience, Hladik’s lectures drew large audiences. As the MBA program grew and the university realized the need for more direct involvement from international business leaders, in 2004 he was invited to become the school’s first Executive in Residence.  Later, it was learned that this was not just a milestone within UMUC. In fact, Hladik is the first-ever “virtual Executive in Residence”. He has since co-presented at major conferences on the subject of “introducing an Executive in Residence” into an online program, influencing other schools to adopt similar programs.

Hladik says that being UMUC’s first Executive in Residence has many advantages. “It’s fun to be a pioneer. When you’re the first, there are no pre-set notions or expectations. There’s a lot of flexibility and you can design things as you see fit.” He’s done just that, combining his plans with feedback and input from students and faculty to create a revolutionary program has evolved into a model for virtual universities worldwide.

In his role as Executive in Residence, Hladik takes a hands-on approach to provide students with an interface with the business community, a practical extension to what they are studying. He offers students his guidance and perspective regarding issues in both the workplace and the classroom. Says Hladik, “In business, it’s good to pick up concepts from everywhere. By sifting through them, you can make the best decisions.”

Leading at least three teleconferences each semester and extensive email communication-consultation, Hladik helps students gain valuable insight into the issues of the day and how they affect their programs of study and career goals, as well as the local and global business community. This “pulse on business” approach also helps to identify trends prior to them becoming mainstream issues. For example, food vs. fuel, energy security and sustainability were all earmarked by Hladik years before they became the critically important topics they are today.

Hladik is a pioneer on many fronts. He was living and working in the field of alternative energy long before it was in vogue. With degrees in Agriculture and Economics, he had had an interest in sustainability and profitability for many years.  Working in Germany in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Hladik was impressed with the country’s environmental awareness. Well ahead of the curve, Germany was already working on sustainability issues nearly 30 years ago. It was a study in contrasts, Hladik says, when he moved to China in the late 1980’s. There, pollution was prevalent and little thought was given to repercussions related to environmental issues. His interest was sparked.

In 2000, a serendipitous turn of events presented Hladik with a consulting opportunity at Iogen Corporation, the world leader in the technology to produce cellulose ethanol, a fully renewable, advanced biofuel. He jumped at the chance.  Hladik was soon offered a permanent position with the company and today is a recognized expert in the field of alternative energies. He travels around the globe, lecturing on the topic of biofuel production to large audiences of interested people who want to know how they can make it a reality. The attendees vary greatly----they include farmers and farm organizations, fuel industry executives, non-profit groups such as Ducks Unlimited and the National Wildlife Federation, government agencies and many others. Hladik is also a regular advisor to several universities, industry groups and the U.S. Senate on matters pertaining to sustainable business development, particularly alternative sources of energy.

It’s all dovetailed into an exciting career that has a profound impact on future generations in numerous ways.  Hladik takes great satisfaction in sharing his knowledge and perspectives with the students at UMUC. “Being the Executive in Residence is a wonderful experience. I love the thought-provoking questions and the healthy exchange of ideas. The students and faculty are great; they have been so supportive and encouraging. Through this process, they’ve become my friends.”

 

Read more Faculty Focus MyUMUC Stories!