GAC Volunteers

Rigoberto Rodríguez Ávila, MPM, MER, serves as Academic Head of Postgraduate Programs at Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and has been a dedicated GAC volunteer for three years. Driven by a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement in project management education, Rigoberto views accreditation as more than recognition, seeing it as a powerful mechanism for advancing academic rigor, international standards, and institutional excellence. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys simple, grounding activities like mowing the lawn, which help him clear his mind and find moments of peace. He values time with his family, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences, and has a passion for travel, exploring new cultures through their cuisine. He also enjoys experimenting with new technologies, staying current in his field, and setting aside time for reading.

What inspires you to serve as a GAC volunteer?

What inspires me to serve as a GAC volunteer is my commitment to quality and continuous improvement in project management education. I believe that accreditation is not merely a formal recognition, but a mechanism that promotes international standards, academic rigor, and institutional excellence. Being part of GAC represents an opportunity to actively contribute to strengthening those standards and to support universities in their process of growth and academic consolidation. I am also deeply motivated by the opportunity to build relationships with professionals, academics, and universities from different parts of the world. The exchange of experiences and best practices enriches institutional perspectives and strengthens the global project management community. I strongly believe in the value of collaborative learning and in building academic networks that promote educational quality at an international level.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

The best part of serving as a GAC volunteer is the opportunity to directly contribute to strengthening academic quality in project management programs at an international level. Additionally, it is a highly enriching experience to participate as a peer reviewer in the accreditation and reaccreditation processes of academic programs. Being part of these processes allows me to contribute with objectivity and rigor to the assurance of international standards, while also learning from different institutional approaches and educational models. This role not only enhances the quality of the programs being evaluated, but also broadens my own professional and academic perspective, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in project management education.

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

The advice I would give to a new GAC volunteer is not to be afraid to take on the challenge. It is normal to feel some uncertainty at the beginning, especially when participating in accreditation processes alongside professionals and academics from different countries, but volunteering is not a test it is an opportunity for growth. Everything learned throughout one’s academic education and professional experience has real value and can significantly contribute to strengthening project management education. Serving in GAC provides a space to share knowledge, exchange perspectives, and collaborate with individuals who are truly committed to and passionate about academic quality.

We are pleased to highlight Dr. Robert Harris, PhD, PMP, who is a Program Director and Assistant Professor at Lewis University. Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, he provides academic leadership and instruction in project management–related programs, with a focus on curriculum quality, student outcomes, and alignment with professional standards. Dr. Harris has been involved with GAC for four years, contributing his academic expertise and practitioner perspective to support excellence in project management education.

What inspires you to serve as a GAC volunteer?

I am motivated to serve as a GAC Volunteer because it provides an opportunity for me to give back by supporting other institutions as they thrive to improve their programs.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

This is a remarkable learning session. This opportunity allows the reviewer to observe another university project management team, instructors, staff and curriculum. Part of the benefit is to witness new ideas, engage community partners and explore new processes. 

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

Be a good observer and actively listen to all discussions. Always remain open to collaboration and team contribution.

How does serving as a GAC volunteer help you achieve your personal or professional passions?

Serving as a Global Accreditation Center (GAC) volunteer helps achieve personal and professional passions by fostering continuous learning, expanding professional networks with global project management experts, and contributing to the advancement of quality project management education. This experience allows volunteers to collaborate on a mission-driven project, develop leadership and complex problem-solving skills in a unique setting, and gain insights and mentorship that can drive both personal and career growth.

Dr. Rudy Watson, PhD, PMP, is the Department Chair at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where he provides academic leadership for project management and related programs. Rudy has served with GAC as a valued volunteer for six years, contributing his academic and practitioner perspective to support excellence in project management education.

What inspires you to serve as a GAC volunteer? 

I am motivated to serve as a GAC Volunteer because it provides an opportunity for me to give back by supporting other institutions as they thrive to improve their programs.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

The best part of serving as a GAC volunteer are the relationships I develop with the review team as well as the individuals at the institutions being reviewed.

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

I would tell a new GAC volunteer to relax and enjoy the experience. It is an opportunity to learn and grow. Do not be intimidated by the objective, simply trust the process.

How does serving as a GAC volunteer help you achieve your personal or professional passions?

I am passionate about helping people achieve their objectives. Serving as a GAC volunteer meets that need. I like having new experiences and learning new things. Being a volunteer fulfills my desire for helping others while putting me in new situations.

Dr. André Barcaui, PhD, PMP, PMI-ACP, is a professor and consultant based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. With over two years of experience as a Visit Team Member and GAC's Latin American Stakeholder Working Group Member, he has been actively contributing to the advancement of project management education. His dedication to fostering academic excellence and professional growth reflects his passion for teaching and his commitment to shaping the future of project management professionals worldwide.

What inspires you to serve as a GAC Volunteer?

I have received so much from PMI—it has truly changed my career. For some time now, I’ve had the opportunity to give back to the community through volunteering. It is also my intention to work increasingly closer with the GAC in this regard, combining it with my passion for teaching.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

The best part of serving as a GAC volunteer is meeting new people, gaining new perspectives on education, contributing to the development of project managers, and engaging with one of the best teams I have ever had the opportunity to work with.

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

Give it your all, learn as much as you can, and get ready to make a difference. The world thrives on mutual support, and if we have the chance to contribute to such a special and important field as education, we should embrace this opportunity with open arms. How does serving as a GAC volunteer help you achieve your personal or professional passions? The best part of volunteering as a Site Team Volunteer for the GAC is being part of a dedicated team that is shaping the future of project management education while learning from incredible professionals around the world. You might be a good Project Professional if you are passionate about continuous learning, thrive in solving complex challenges, and believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Andre became a GAC Director in 2026. We are grateful to work with him in this capacity.

This quarter, we are thrilled to feature Cindy Baker, an accomplished accreditation expert based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. With over a decade of experience serving as both an accreditation team lead and team member, Cindy has dedicated her efforts to advancing educational quality worldwide. Her work has spanned newly accredited institutions and international programs, where she has been instrumental in guiding institutions toward achieving and maintaining globally recognized accreditation standards. Cindy’s commitment to fostering impactful education exemplifies the values at the heart of the GAC community. 

What inspires you to serve as a GAC Volunteer?

To use a cliché, I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. Accreditation standards allow schools to offer students a quality, internationally recognized education, and the opportunity to consistently improve the program. In this is regard, I am particularly proud of my work abroad and with newly accredited institutions. A baseline education is good for students, institutions, and whole communities. Accreditation helps provide that baseline, it helps to guide institutions to international standards - for newly accredited programs, they know that they are at an international standard and that their students will succeed after graduation. Their students have the knowledge, skills, and tools to improve their society and their economy.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

The best part of volunteering with the GAC is the people you meet and the diversity in the programs you visit. No matter where I visit, there is always something new that I've not seen before. It is exciting to see how education is adapted and industry applied to various contexts around the world.

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

My advice to anyone would be to jump in! It is a wonderful community of people who want to further education around the globe. The support provided by both the GAC staff and the various volunteers is a pleasure to be a part of. How does serving as a GAC volunteer help you achieve your personal or professional passions? Volunteering with GAC, and ABET, has led to my recognition as an expert in accreditation. I’ve recently been awarded a Fulbright grant to help institutions in Jordan along on their accreditation path. I am confident that volunteering with the GAC was an important factor in me receiving the Fulbright grant.

Cindy joined the GAC Directors in 2026 where she can use her accreditation expertise to serve GAC accredited programs. 

We are excited to shine the spotlight on Tim Muth, a dedicated GAC volunteer from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. Tim has been volunteering with the Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for an impressive 12 years. He is a valued faculty member at the Florida Institute of Technology, where he leverages his expertise to inspire and educate future professionals.

What inspires you to serve as a GAC volunteer? 

Tim’s motivation to serve as a GAC volunteer stems from his desire to enhance his professional skills while contributing to the growth of others. He finds great fulfillment in meeting highly motivated professionals and students, visiting other universities, and learning about top-tier Project Management programs. This exchange of knowledge allows Tim to continually update the academic programs at his institution, thereby enriching his students' career opportunities.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer? 

The best part of volunteering for Tim is staying current with the latest academic and professional developments, such as the integration of AI in industry and education.

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

He encourages new volunteers to get involved, as it is a rewarding way to hone professional skills like communication and critical thinking, develop meaningful relationships, and engage with fascinating individuals. Thank you, Tim, for your dedication and contributions to the GAC community!

John Cable is a retired professor from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is the Founder & Director of the Project Management Center for Excellence. He currently resides in The Villages, Florida.John is the founding member of PMI's Global Accreditation Center and has served as a GAC Director, Team Lead, and Team Member. He also serves as a mentor to applicant programs and new volunteers. His service spans from 2000 - 2015, 2023 - current (18 years). 

What inspires you to serve as a GAC volunteer?

I want to give back to the academic community, and I believe that it is important to have a robust accreditation program. 

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

The best part of serving as a GAC volunteer is helping other academic programs. 

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

GAC volunteers should keep the GAC mission in mind when evaluating a program. 

Daniela (Dana) Pavel, PhD is from Rochester, NY, and is a professor at Capella University. Dana has served as a GAC Accreditation Team Volunteer for 9 years. She has supported GAC by speaking at GAC workshops, training new volunteers, and participating in numerous GAC webinars. GAC interviewed Dana about her volunteer experience.

What inspires you to serve as a GAC volunteer?

I strongly believe in the purpose of academic accreditation to enhance the quality of project management academic programs. I cherish the collaboration with my team members and the leadership and faculty of the institutions we visit in sharing our best practices for the purpose of GAC standard alignment. I am constantly inspired by the success and achievements of students and alumni in our accredited Project Management programs. Many students have no prior knowledge of Project Management when starting their accredited academic programs; due to the high quality of the academic programs in compliance with the GAC accreditation standards, students manage to get PM-related jobs and later be promoted to higher-level jobs or even start their own businesses.

What is the best part of serving as a GAC volunteer?

 The best parts of serving as a GAC volunteer are the opportunity to pay it forward; to learn from my GAC colleagues and the hosting teams of the institutions we are lucky to visit with (and learn from), and to bring my contribution to furthering project management as an academic discipline.

What advice would you give to a new GAC volunteer?

Every GAC volunteer participating in a site visit represents the GAC organization. Every new site visit starts as a blank canvas with the GAC accreditation standards as guidelines as the team members read the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and verify the evidence provided by the institution. Our role as a team is to collaborate with the institution to ensure their programs and practices align with the submitted SAR and the GAC accreditation standards. The advice I would give to a new GAC volunteer is to always do your due diligence prior to the start of a site visit and be open to understanding the different ways institutions address the accreditation standards. Sometimes, institutions find innovative ways to comply with the GAC standards that could easily be applied in your institution to increase the quality of the PM programs and enhance the students' learning experience.

Dana joined the PMI/GAC staff in 2025. We are grateful to use her expertise in our day to day operations.