THE FORUM

Willamette MBA Among the Programs Preparing Graduates For Stewardship, Ethics and Social Responsibility

The Aspen Institute’s “Beyond Grey Pinstripes” survey recognized Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management as a top global MBA program for innovation in social and environmental stewardship.  The Willamette MBA appears in the “Global 100” list at #47 overall, and #20 for the relevance of its courses to ethical and socially-conscious management decision making.

This year management programs from 24 countries participated in an 18 month effort to map the landscape of teaching and research on issues pertaining to business and society.  Relevant data collected in the survey, as well as the list of top business schools, is available at: www.BeyondGreyPinstripes.org.

The number of schools that participated in the survey increased by more than 34% in 2009, while the Atkinson School moved up 11 places in the rankings to #47 globally. 

“The Beyond Grey Pinstripes ranking speaks to the value of the Willamette MBA as an internationally recognized program,” said Debra Ringold, Dean and JELD-WEN Professor of Free Enterprise.  “Our mission is to educate passionate students who will become socially-conscious managers in business, government and not-for-profit organizations.”

 “The best business students move quickly into the front ranks of business – and the attitudes and values they bring to the table are deeply influenced by their time in business education,” said Judith Samuelson, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program.  “The schools that are competitive in the Beyond Grey Pinstripes ranking are the real trailblazers – they assure that students have the right skill as well as the will to make things happen.”

The Willamette MBA program includes two full-time MBA program formats – the early career MBA and MBA for career change – and an evening MBA for professionals.  Classes are held in Salem and Portland, Oregon.