GRAHAM SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2026 Mission Statement The Graham School of Business delivers transformative learning in an innovative and inclusive environment that prepares graduates for impactful careers, informed citizenship, and societal leadership.
Vision Statement Graduates of the Graham School of Business are recognized for their willingness and expertise to solve the consequential challenges faced by the business community and society at large.
Values Leadership: Tireless commitment to serving as a nexus that moves business professionals and the community at large forward via innovative solutions. Student-Centered Focus: High quality learning experiences, continued emphasis on professionalism, and immersion in partnerships between academic and business communities. Ethics & Social Responsibility: Evidence-based decision-making among all stakeholders in the Graham School of Business community. Continuous Improvement: Emphasis on intellectual curiosity and innovation in all key processes and incorporation of a global perspective. Excellence in Applied Scholarship: A framework in which research and real-world experience are viewed as tools to facilitate teaching and growth. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Focus on maintaining a signature level of collegiality, collaboration and inclusion in all work to create a distinctive sense of belongingness.
Strategic Priorities & Goals 1. Intellectual Engagement: The Graham School of Business will revitalize and enrich its curriculum by fostering innovative approaches to academic programming. A. Evaluate current offerings in terms of enrollment and market relevancy; create niche new academic programs (e.g., esports management undergraduate). B. Establish adult degree completion programs in business. C. Develop accelerated 3-year (and 3+1) degree honors program. D. Enhance incorporation of technology in curriculum (e.g., SAP).
2. Student Success: The Graham School of Business will design a robust living and learning environment and an integrated system of student support. A. Enhance communication skills via curriculum-wide focus and new Communication in Business Course. B. Create a microcredential program to facilitate and endorse students’ “21st century skills” (e.g., Hootsuite) and “perspective enriching” experiences (e.g., theater performances, art exhibits, etc.). C. Initiate a student-student GSB mentoring program. D. Incorporate the development of a professional portfolio (and/or eportfolio) into the educational experience. 3. Community Engagement: The Graham School of Business will serve as an anchor institution by engaging in purposeful and mutually beneficial partnership to develop enriched learning opportunities. A. Establish a Center for Professional Development and Continuing Education for Business and Industry (e.g., offer certificates). B. Create a business consulting center (likely within the College’s knowledge park). C. Initiate short term (1-3 day) GSB-wide volunteer events. D. Develop a signature experiential learning project for the BS and BA degree platforms. 4. Institutional Excellence: The Graham School of Business will promote collaboration, accountability, and communication to be responsive to the rapidly changing environment of higher education. A. Support professional development of faculty and staff to ensure an active scholarship culture and professional growth (e.g., relevant certifications). B. Secure and maintain relevant professional accreditations (e.g., AACSB International, ACBSP, COSMA, and others). C. Build the reputation of the GSB through effective branding; enhance positioning of the GSB. D. Increase alumni engagement via faculty outreach efforts (e.g., alumni mentorship, giving, campus activities). 5. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The Graham School of Business will cultivate an equitable, inclusive learning and working environment. A. Create a diversity, equity and inclusion certificate, undergraduate microcredential and/or possible track/focus within the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership. B. Engage in regular diversity, equity and inclusion development opportunities for faculty, staff and students. C. Enhance the physical environment of the Willman Business Center to represent the success of our diverse community. D. Increase international engagement opportunities.
Graham School of Business Strategic Planning Committee: Dean Nick Delener, Dr. Jay Azriel. Ms. Karen Baker, Dr. Nicole Cornell Sadowski, Dr. Molly Hayes Sauder, Dr. Gerry Patnode, Dr. Mohammed Raja Approved by GSB Faculty August 18, 2021.