Frank Greenwood, PhD

Dr. Greenwood is a JIU professor in the MBA program and a private consultant, Certified Project Manager Professional, and Certified Computer Consultant.

Dr. Frank Greenwood has been with Jones International University since the very beginning, bringing with him more than 25 years of project management experience.

But don’t let the methodical, detail-oriented nature of his field fool you; Greenwood is a real character who is prone to bursts of giggles when talking about his enthusiasm for online teaching.

“I feel like I learn at least as much as my students do,” he said.  “They challenge me and are very thoughtful and dedicated when it comes to their education.  JIU attracts the kind of student who takes their courses very seriously, and that is why teaching here is so rewarding.”

Greenwood, who has an MBA from the University of Southern California and a PhD from UCLA, takes his role as an online professor seriously. Teaching for JIU’s MBA program, he prides himself on being accessible to students, checking his email a few times a day and posting regularly. 

“It’s important to be responsive to each and every student,” he said. “Students in an online program should never feel isolated.  Professors must avail themselves of all the communication tools to ensure the students get the most out of their courses.  If you don’t add value, you don’t last long in this business.”

Technology has always been embraced by the 82-year-old Greenwood, who foresaw the impact the Internet would have on education back when online learning was just getting started. 

“That was one trend that I did spot,” he said. “I marvel at its potential.”

He said his field of project management continues to experience strong growth in every industry.  He likes that JIU emphasizes a real-world application of PM skills, making this degree program extremely relevant to students.” 

“The principles of project management have an extremely diverse application,” he said. “I have had students from all walks of life interested in building their knowledge in this area.  It’s a field that draws people who want to advance professionally.”

One, for example, was a fellow in real estate who was developing a 60-acre parcel and felt PM skills would make his development business more efficient and profitable. Another was a day care provider who was launching her own business.

And it’s not just Americans who seek project management expertise.

Working out of his apartment in suburban Detroit, it tickles Greenwood to know that in a single class he often has students from all over the world.

“Portugal, Amsterdam, South Africa…” he rattles off the places where his students lived like they were neighborhoods in his town.  “Isn’t that something?”

“The global perspective adds to everyone’s educational experience,” Greenwood said.  “This format reminds students that there are other environments, views and lifestyles to consider.” 

Greenwood himself is no stranger to world travel.  Born and raised in Brazil until the age of 10, Greenwood spoke both English and Portuguese. His father worked for General Electric in Rio, enabling his son to

A well-respected consultant (Certified Project Manager Professional and Certified Computer Consultant, Greenwood has been a professor for several universities including the University of Georgia, the University of Massachusetts, and Central Michigan University. He is an author of eight books and countless monographs, papers, and journal articles.  He also has consulted in Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore. 

He exemplifies the caliber of faculty that JIU seeks: well educated, experienced and passionate about teaching.