School of Business Professor Appointed to South Carolina District Export Council

School of Business professor Rene Mueller has been appointed to the South Carolina District Export Council, a role that will allow her to guide businesses in the region in their efforts to export goods and services.

“The South Carolina District Export Council helps South Carolina businesses succeed in the global economy,” said Mueller. “I am thrilled to join other business professionals on the committee to help foster growth.”

Dorette Coetsee, director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Columbia, South Carolina, nominated Mueller for her knowledge of international business, previous work with the SC International Trade Coalition and the Brookings Institute Export Initiative, and willingness to dedicate time to the export council.

The District Export Council brings together business leaders from local communities with expertise in international business. The mission is to increase economic growth in the state and create higher-paying jobs. Members hail from across the state and from companies and organizations including the S.C. Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration, and U.S. Commercial Service. Mueller and 30 other council members will mentor business owners, organize educational seminars and raise awareness about export opportunities in the state.

Mueller is a professor of marketing and director of the International Business Program at the School of Business. She also serves as the director of the Global Business Resource Center, which supports continued development of international education opportunities so students may gain the necessary international business skills, cross-cultural experience and foreign language proficiencies needed to compete effectively in today’s globalized economy.

In addition, Mueller is currently helping to lead an initiative between the School of Business, Jewish Studies and the Clinical Biotechnology Research Institute at Roper St. Francis hospital to connect College of Charleston students with Israeli start-ups. Through this initiative, students produce business plans for Israeli businesses to pitch to investors.

Mueller holds a Ph.D. in international marketing, an MBA and a bachelor of science in economics.