Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Finance, Banking and Insurance Richard Schaffer (June 30, 1948-) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his B.S. degree in business administration from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his J.D. degree from the University of Mississippi. After a brief period of law practice in Jackson, Mississippi, he earned his LL.M. from New York University, followed by additional study in international law in Paris and an internship in international service with the United Nations. During his early years at Appalachian State University, he continued his United Nations work as a visiting consultant to the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch in New York, San Jose, and Vienna on projects related to international economic crime and socio-economic development. Schaffer began his career at Appalachian State in 1977. His primary teaching responsibilities were in business law, trade law, and international business transactions. During the 1980s, Professor Schaffer initiated many of the international programs now popular in the College of Business. He was instrumental in developing the first college-wide curriculum in international business, the first college-wide summer business study-abroad program, and the first student organization in international business. These initiatives provided the framework for the college's international business programs continuing today. Schaffer worked to introduce students to many business people active in international business and to provide internship and career opportunities. As director for education of the North Carolina World Trade Association, he worked statewide to enhance linkages between North Carolina firms and the state's universities and private colleges. Professor Schaffer served as the director of international business studies in Appalachian State's College of Business from 1985 to 1987. One of Professor Schaffer's most notable academic contributions was the publication of his textbook International Business Law and Its Environment, a West publication by Cengage Learning, now in its 7th edition. The work originally published in 1989, was the first of its kind and is widely recognized today as having defined the field of study at the college level. International Business Law and Its Environment had a great impact on the teaching of business law nationwide, leading the way toward the internationalization of the field and toward the introduction of courses in international business law at many universities. The book is widely used today at leading universities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and has been cited in such prestigious professional journals as the Annual Survey of International 8c Comparative Law, Berkeley Journal of International Law, Journal of Legal Studies Education, New England Law Review, New York University Law Review, Yale Journal of International Law, and many others. Since retiring, Professor Schaffer has devoted time to his own business interests as chair of the Board of Directors of DeWoolfson Down International, Inc. DeWoolfson is a leading manufacturer of down products for the home, with distribution throughout North America and with retail outlets in the Carolinas. Schaffer maintains his interest in international business through his relationships with business partners in Western and Eastern Europe and in China, and with his customers in Canada, Mexico, and other countries. He is also an active member and volunteer with the North Carolina Search and Rescue Dog Association. He has worked many search and rescue missions in the region for lost and missing persons, including children, boaters, hunters, Alzheimer's patients, and others in need. Professor Schaffer has two children and continues to reside in Watauga County. Sources: Appalachian State University files. -Patti Levine-Brown
Comments