Stephens College of Business
Vision for the Stephens College of Business
Dr. William T. Rupp
My
vision for the Stephens College of Business
begins with a journey to develop a culture of
continuous improvement that meets the needs of
students, faculty, and the external community.
The journey flows through new and innovative
courses and programs that exploit the use of
technology. This fluid, evolving culture
provides the necessary environment for its
members to change and grow until the whole is
transformed.
According to the Financial Times there are more than 3,000 business schools in the world. Most academics would agree that the top 300 business schools, or 10%, could be considered great business schools. To be included in this group is a desirable and significant goal. The achievement of attaining and maintaining AACSB accreditation continues to focus our energies and is catalyst for creative continuous organizational development. Accreditation provides a framework for continuous improvement of people, programs, and processes to strive toward being a great business school.
So what makes the Stephens College of Business a great business school? Great business schools share several characteristics. A common overarching characteristic is a passion for excellence in all of their activities. This passion for excellence is evident in the following building blocks:
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The ability to recruit and retain high caliber students.
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The ability to recruit, retain, and develop an excellent faculty.
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The ability to construct and enhance basic values, artifacts, and symbolism necessary to support a strong culture of continuous improvement.
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The commitment to fortify the foundational business areas -- accounting, finance, marketing, management, and management information systems.
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The commitment to development and implementation of innovative academic programs.
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The creation of niche strengths such as entrepreneurship, leadership, or e-Business.
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Systems to identify and cultivate corporate and alumni relationships.
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The ability to communicate a vision and mission frequently and effectively.
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Supporting superior student services -- advising, counseling, and placement.
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The integration of macro factors of global and ethical perspectives woven throughout the curriculum.
As the Stephens College of Business thrives and remains competitive in this new century, it must have excellence in these essential building blocks. The outcome of this passionate, focused pursuit of excellence will yield students, faculty, and administrators who are ready to become committed stakeholders in a great business school - the Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo.