Meet Wittenborg's IAAP Members: Erik Devos

25.06.2025

Sharing Knowledge Across Continents to Help Business Education Evolve

Erik Devos may live and work in the United States, but his connection to Wittenborg runs deep. A Dutch native with extensive academic and professional experience, Devos joined the International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP) a year ago, aiming to contribute to the school’s international growth while also gaining valuable insights for his own institution.

“I’ve been associated with Wittenborg for a few years, starting with the AACSB accreditation process. Wittenborg is a special higher education institution. Its mission and approach to education speak to me as a fellow business school leader in a totally different country. I think there is much to learn from each other,” he explains.

Devos received his PhD in Finance from Binghamton University, after completing his master’s degree in Financial Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Now based at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he serves as Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Finance, the scholar brings many years of academic expertise to the panel. His research spans both real estate and corporate finance, and he has published in high-profile journals such as ‘Review of Financial Studies’ and ‘Real Estate Economics’. He also serves on the editorial boards of several journals and is actively involved with finance and real estate associations worldwide.

According to Devos, Wittenborg’s strengths lie in its adaptability and its international outlook. “Its capability to evolve alongside an ever-changing business world, through curriculum innovation and student experiences, is second to none,” he says.

Looking ahead, Devos sees Wittenborg continuing to develop future business leaders who are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. “The world is changing fast, and so are the demands on business education. Wittenborg is well-positioned to be an example of how to prepare students from all over the world.”

Reflecting on his journey in international education, he emphasises the importance of collaboration across borders. “It has been really interesting and surprising that while we are in a competitive environment, we all seem to be working together with educators, staff and administrators very willing to support each other across university and country borders.”

One of the scholar’s biggest influences has been his dissertation advisor, Upinder Dhillon. “He showed me what it means to be an academic and later, when he became Dean, what it means to be a good administrator. The basics are simple: be genuine, be fair and truly care about everything you do.”

In addition to his professional career, Devos is passionate about traveling. "Travel exposes us to new cultures, people and perspectives. It truly enriches one's life, and I’m fortunate that my work allows me to meet fascinating people from around the world," he says.

And when asked about a book recommendation for students, he doesn’t hesitate: John von Neumann - The Scientific Genius Who Pioneered the Modern Computer, Game Theory, Nuclear Deterrence, and Much More by Norman Macrae. “It’s a fascinating read that shows how one doesn’t need to focus on just one field. Great minds can contribute in many areas, and that’s a powerful message for any student today.”