The Exchange: Dean’s Message March 2024

March 21, 2024
Dean Jeff Guan

I’m thrilled to announce the culmination of months of collaborative effort: the unveiling of our new strategic plan for the College of Business. Crafting this plan has been a monumental task, requiring the input and work by faculty, staff, Board of Advisors members, students, alumni, and community stakeholders. Through extensive listening sessions and working groups, we’ve integrated invaluable feedback and insights into a comprehensive, ambitious, and forward-thinking blueprint that will steer our endeavors over the next four years.

Not only does this strategic plan serve as a roadmap for our future, but it also plays a pivotal role in meeting our AACSB continuous improvement requirements. I’m pleased to inform you that the plan was submitted to AACSB on March 15th.

Aligned closely with the University’s strategic plan, our College of Business plan revolves around four key pillars: Learn, Discover, Connect, and Work. Here’s a summary of what each pillar entails: 

LEARN:

  • Focus on student enrollment and student success
  • Integrate AI more widely into business curriculum
  • Collaborate with business partners to develop innovative curriculum

DISCOVER:

  • Maintain our current research momentum and produce quality and impactful research
  • Elevate reputation through leveraging expertise in consumer behavior and entrepreneurship.
  • Expand applied research work and engage students

CONNECT:

  • Become a center for business knowledge dissemination through panels, events, and the COB Executive Education Office.
  • Expand opportunities for experiential learning through our Corporate Partner Program.
  • Engage COB’s vast alumni base and cultivate strong relationship.

WORK:

  • Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Adopt sustainable financial practices and robust resource management.
  • Implement systematic processes for faculty qualifications, staff development, and governance revisions.

This strategic plan is just the beginning of an exciting journey for the College of Business, and I encourage you to delve into its details. You can access the full plan HERE.

Thank you for your unwavering interest in and support of the UofL College of Business. Together, we’re poised to achieve remarkable milestones!