Dr. Otmar Varela
Associate Professor of Management
“It’s fascinating to see how globalization shapes the things we do – especially mine,” says Dr. Varela, who has been living on three continents over the last 15 years. “I see geographic boundaries as opportunities to appreciate new things.” With teaching and consulting experience in more than a dozen of countries, Dr. Varela has made international topics a pivotal component of his professional career, not only teaching subjects with a tweak of globalization but making cross-culture a fundamental area of his research – an expertise that he strives to share with students. He proclaims “I believe students enjoy cultural diversity. Although I can see the shock it creates on students, after a while, they relax and vividly understand the value of diversity.”
Dr. Varela is delighted with the opportunity of working at Nicholls where teaching is greatly appreciated. “This is a great institution to establish productive student-faculty relationships – the core of learning. My most recent research emphasizes the analyses of academic relationships and indicates the substantive role of quality faculty-student exchanges to learning. Nicholls is unique in creating an environment where students can feel close to faculty. I just try to do my part and keep my door open to every student who needs help”
Dr. Varela is married to Beatriz and has three kids – Samuel, Samantha, & Nicholas – three distinct generations. He proudly admits that “My oldest one is now in college, the second is in elementary, and the youngest is in child care. At home, we enjoy the differences and very unique problems of each kid. They are a real blessing.”
Education:
B.A., Universidad Central de Venezuela; M.B.A., ICADE-Madrid/Spain; M.S., Ph.D., Tulane University
Courses taught:
MNGT 301 Management of Organizations and Behavioral Processes
MNGT 469 Management Internship
MNGT 470 Organization Structure and Behavior
MNGT 502 Organization Theory and Practice
Contact information:
152 Powell Hall
Phone: 985.449.7017
E-mail: otmar.varela@nicholls.edu