Students at the University of Belize in Punta Gorda Town, Belize received lessons on finance and customer service from Albert Williams, Ph.D. during his spring break visit. Williams, who serves as associate professor and acting chair of the Finance and Economics Department at the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, regularly returns to his country of origin to give back to residents.
In a presentation on financial management, Williams discussed cash flow and project valuation, encouraging students to consider project viability when making any financial decisions. To illustrate his point, he shared that he once gave a small loan to a farmer for the purchase of a dairy cow. The cow, he explained, could provide the farmer with milk, and the farmer could sell some of that milk to repay the loan. After emphasizing the positive relationship between risk and expected return he challenged students to answer, “How can you invest $1,000 in this small town?”
With tourism being the biggest contributor to the GDP in Belize, Williams’ second presentation was geared toward students studying hospitality, with a focus on customer service. In this presentation, students were encouraged to be friendly, attentive, honest, and caring. Williams strongly emphasized that all guests, regardless of racial background or other differences, be treated with the same level of service and care. The local guests should not receive a lower standard of service than the foreign guests, regardless of the level of tips provided. He also made sure that students were aware of the respect they deserve when they are doing their jobs.
In addition, Williams, who is known for his guitar solos at NSU, played guitar and sponsored snacks for both groups of students. The food and music helped break the ice and resulted in active participation during both presentations. Not only did the students benefit from this experience, but they were proud to have one of their own coming from the U.S. to enlighten them. Campus Director, Roy Polonio, and Glen Enriquez, lecturer for both classes, were thankful for the professor’s valuable contributions to their students and the community.
Williams eagerly embraces opportunities that allow him to give back to the community. Last summer, he assisted with the filling of a street in the community. On this recent trip, he organized for more materials be put in one part of the same street, in anticipation of the rainy season. We applaud Williams for embracing “community,” one of the core values of NSU.
