A Quick and Lasting Recovery
How a Ferris Alum Changed C's and D's into a Ph.D.

From the "thumb" of Michigan to Ferris State University, through 43 of the 48 continental States, and now into Barcelona, Spain, Joseph Pistrui's quest for education and personal fulfillment have blazed an international trail of growth and success. Now a Ph.D. candidate, Pistrui (Marketing '83) remembers the turning point that set him on his current path.

"My first quarter
at Ferris was
a disaster."

- Joseph Pistrui

A Quick Turnaround
He first came to Ferris State University from Imlay City to receive an education and play basketball. "My first quarter* at Ferris was a disaster," reflects Pistrui. "Three C's, and a D in English! My grade point average was very low, and my chances to remain in college were very much in question.

"My recovery was based in part on the academic tutors provided to me as a student-athlete. I was required to attend two hours of monitored study hall every night for the entire second quarter. There I learned some good study habits and was assisted by older students. It set the tone for managing my academic responsibilities for the remainder of my time at Ferris."

International Interests
With his marketing degree in hand, Pistrui moved in with his brother in Chicago and then worked nearly 10 years for Bristol Meyers as a professional in sales management and brand marketing before he discovered his calling to academics.

"I became interested in developing my teaching skills after I had completed a semester as a guest lecturer at the Budapest University of Economic Sciences in 1996."

The next year, Pistrui completed a graduate faculty development program in Barcelona, Spain, then began working on his Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship at the Universidad de Barcelona.

"The field of entrepreneurship is at a much different level of development in Europe," he explained. "In the United States, everyone is an 'entrepreneur,' and, to some extent, it is considered fashionable. In Europe, however, the word 'entrepreneur' often has many negative connotations, and the recognition of start-up businesses and entrepreneurial growth companies is only beginning to be understood."

Sharing What He's Learned
Having finished all the required course work for his Ph.D., Pistrui is now working on his dissertation by conducting field research on European companies' growth patterns, evaluating strategic patterns of companies, individual and team entrepreneurs and administrative structure.

Even though he's halfway around the world, Pistrui hasn't forgotten his alma mater.

He recently took time out of his demanding research schedule to participate in an online chat session with a class of Ferris students at the request of his long-time family friend and mentor, Dr. Marilyn Keigley, professor of Marketing.

"I shared with the students that there are various differences in everyday lifestyle dynamics that adjust the climate of business globally," said Pistrui. "As our markets increasingly globalize, this is an area that we, as Americans, are not as prepared for or sensitive to as are Europeans."

Looking Ahead,
Looking Back
With his knowledge of global markets, Pistrui anticipates finding a faculty position in entrepreneurship or strategy in either the United States or Europe. "Spain has been wonderful to me," he said.

"As I discussed with Dr. Keigley's students, take any opportunity available to study abroad because success in the business world tomorrow will depend on one's grasp of the global dynamic."

Pistrui's success in international business stems from that first report card as a college freshman, when he was wise enough to grasp a much more personal dynamic.