The faces of business at the University of Rhode Island have something in common—they are always looking toward the future. It was true in 1923 when the University, then known as Rhode Island State College, designed a business program as an experiment “to infuse a breadth of vision” into the state’s growing post-WWI economy.
And it’s certainly true today. Just as vision and a spirit of innovation are the heart of any successful business, they are front and center at URI’s College of Business Administration, which has been celebrating its 90th birthday with a series of special events this year.
The College has lots to celebrate. As the only institution in Rhode Island with accredited programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels, the College has a proud tradition of leadership in business education, research, and outreach. Rooted in a past marked by its vision, today’s College of Business faculty and their students focus on managing change in a global economy where change is measured in milliseconds.
Business education today is really moving. We teach how businesses work. And we foster the creative, pioneering talents that light a fire for innovation
“Today business education happens 24/7, both in and out of class, in Kingston, Providence, online, or locations around the world,” says College of Business Dean Mark Higgins. “Business education today is really moving. We teach how businesses work. And we foster the creative, pioneering talents that light a fire for innovation.”
There’s a special kind of energy at the College, with its emphasis on collaborative learning, great internships and on-site career resources. Undergraduate students may major in accounting, entrepreneurial management, finance, general business, global business, marketing, or supply chain management. Graduate students may seek an MBA in strategic innovation or general business, a Master of Science in Accounting, or a Ph.D. in Business Administration.
“As the only university in the state with a doctoral program in business, our faculty members examine cutting-edge issues in their fields with our students involved in the process,” says Dean Higgins.
Business students at all levels benefit from working closely with faculty in programs distinguished by an innovative approach to project management, critical thinking, and communication—exactly what they need to solve problems, manage change, and become business leaders in tomorrow’s innovation economy.
To mark the College’s special birthday, it will sponsor Waterfire Providence on June 14. “As the premier business school in Rhode Island, our sponsorship of this unique and acclaimed Rhode Island event is fitting,” says Dean Higgins. “Waterfire fuels the creative and entrepreneurial spirits all around—and in fact it’s a textbook case of how the arts can drive urban renewal and business.”
That’s URI’s College of Business, always looking ahead.
See photos from the College of Business Waterfire celebration on June 14, 2014.
Pictured above (left to right): Elsa Gramelsbach ’28, the first woman graduate; business faculty members in 1951, the year the School of Business became the College of Business; Al Verrechia ’67, M.B.A. ’72 (during his senior year), chairman of the Hasbro Inc. board of directors; Kenny Adefiyiju ’14 and Raven Sannon ’15, members of the URI team that won first place at the National Association of Black Accountants’ 29th Annual Minority Business Conference case competition, and Michael Giles M.B.A.’13 co-founder and art director of Blacknight Studios.