Newswise — Babson College and Willamette University have agreed to collaborate in delivering high-quality, postgraduate executive education programs in Oregon. The first programs, focusing on competitor profiling, leadership, and succession planning, will be offered at Willamette University facilities in downtown Portland beginning this year.
Both institutions have highly regarded business schools, which are accredited by AACSB International. Babson College is known for its strength in entrepreneurship and innovation, and its MBA Program has been ranked number one in this area for the past 12 years. Willamette's Atkinson Graduate School of Management emphasizes well-rounded management skills to meet the challenges of rapidly changing markets and technology. Both schools increasingly address managing in a global economy.
Babson and Willamette are both expanding into the Portland market and offering professional MBA programs. Atkinson School began the first section of its Professional MBA program, taught by its own full-time faculty, in Portland in January. Babson's Fast Track MBA, using a blend of on-site and online learning approaches, will be launched in Portland this fall. The joint executive education programs will be offered at Willamette's new Pearl District location.
"This collaboration in executive education leverages the strengths of each institution," says Jim Goodrich, dean of the Atkinson School. "It will deliver unique programs in this market that benefit the managers of local firms."
"We are excited about exploring a variety of executive education opportunities for collaboration with Willamette University," says Elaine Eisenman, Dean of Babson Executive Education at Babson College, based in the Boston area.
Goodrich and Eisenman stressed that the executive education programs will complement, not replace, MBA or professional MBA programs they offer independently and that are offered by other Oregon universities.
The deans described the collaboration as a win-win opportunity for their institutions. "We both have solid reputations and we bring different assets to the table that can give professionals here access to quality programs in their hometown," Goodrich said.
Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., is recognized internationally as a leader in entrepreneurial management education. Babson grants BS degrees through its innovative undergraduate program, and grants MBA and custom MS and MBA degrees through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. Babson Executive Education offers executive development programs to experienced managers worldwide. For information, visit http://www.babson.edu.
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