Since its creation nearly 40 years ago, Bellevue University’s MBA program has established itself as an innovative force in the world of graduate-level business education. Looking into the future, there’s no end in sight to that commitment.
“The program’s ongoing dedication to student success will be built on a proactive approach,” said the program’s director, Associate Professor Randa Zalman, “one that emphasizes an educational atmosphere that extends beyond traditional classroom settings to help prepare them for leadership roles in a constantly changing business environment.”
Zalman said moving forward, she and her College of Business colleagues will place an even greater emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, including the exploration of simulations and the incorporation of leading-edge technologies in areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics.
“We want to give our students the courage to stay curious about the talents and tools they’ll need to remain at the forefront of industry trends and today’s rapidly evolving business landscape,” she said, adding, “As the job market shifts, we’ll continue to be nimble and adapt by offering education and training in emerging fields and industries. Our focus will always be on helping our students be difference-makers and successful leaders, regardless of how the business environment changes.”
Of course, students will continue to benefit from faculty who combine lofty academic qualifications and rich professional experience. There’s no better example of this than Zalman herself, who started with the College of Business as an adjunct instructor in 2007. At the time, she was the advertising manager for a national insurance company. She eventually launched her own successful marketing agency, which she sold in 2019 when she accepted a full-time role with Bellevue University as an assistant professor.
This level of experience might seem rare, but it’s common among MBA faculty.
“Our students can learn from the latest industry insights and also enjoy a positive and enriching learning environment in the best traditions of academic pursuit,” Zalman said. “This makes the student experience both challenging and enjoyable.”
It’s an exciting time to be part of the MBA program, Zalman said.
“The program is an educational journey where collaboration, idea exchange and collective growth are prevalent,” she said. “It’s also a very vibrant community where students can build valuable connections and networks with like-minded individuals who share this dream of achieving success and contributing to the larger, dynamic business landscape.”
Rayne Clarkson echoes that glowing review. A commodity business manager in the semiconductor industry, she’s on track to graduate from the MBA program in fall 2024.
“Pursuing an MBA at Bellevue University has significantly enhanced my understanding of business practices, particularly in finance. This knowledge directly benefits my role in managing supply chain and supplier relationships,” Clarkson said. “I’ve already recommended the program to numerous colleagues who are now thriving in the program.”