Start Something at the UNL College of Business Administration
The southeast corner of 14th and Vine Streets shines brightly these days. A new $84 million, 240,000-square foot University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration (http://cba.unl.edu) building rises in the campus skyline and testifies to the college slogan, “Start Something”. The building, with its signature dark blue glass cube peeking out toward Memorial Mall, will become the east bookend looking west toward Memorial Stadium when it opens in the summer of 2017. It will also be home to a top 48 undergraduate business school as recognized by the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
“We are thrilled to be recognized among this elite set of business schools – both private and public,” CBA Dean Donde Plowman said. “We have had a singular focus to raise the stature and visibility of our college. This ranking, our growing enrollments, our new privately funded building and our exceptional faculty and staff are indicators that we are making great progress.”
The college checked in at No. 48 in the publication’s annual rankings released Sept. 13, which was a 13-spot jump from last year. The rankings also reflect the expanding selection of majors, minors and graduate programs offered for an increasing student population.
“The entire building project is privately funded by our alumni for future alumni.”
“But the building is just part of the story. Our alumni engage with us through advisory boards, classroom presentations and mentorship. These are business people from successful companies throughout the world, helping to shape curriculum, guide decisions on critically needed academic programs and provide internships. We couldn’t be where we are without them” said Plowman.
During the past six years under Plowman’s leadership, a variety of new programs have opened at the college. The new Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics offers two of the most needed skill sets for contemporary businesses. Students can choose between a supply chain management major, a business analytics minor, as well as graduate certificate programs in both areas.
The master’s degree programs received a major boost recently with the addition of a master of arts in business administration (MABA) to complement UNL’s highly ranked MBA program. The MABA is an accelerated, on-campus 11-month program that lets students take classes in cohorts, where lasting relationships with peers can develop. Alongside the MABA is the new master of arts in business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletics administration (MAIAA).
“This one-of-a-kind partnership program with the Nebraska Department of Athletics is rising in stature and popularity,” said Plowman. “The number of applicants has been growing since our inaugural year.
Another signature program is the CBA Honors Academy, which opened its doors in 2013. Academy students complete courses together, and are integrally connected to the college mission of molding the next generation of ethical leaders for Nebraska and the world.
“The quality of students enrolled in the CBA Honors Academy and the number of outstanding applicants we are attracting nationwide demonstrates the college’s growing national stature,” said Plowman. “To be selected is a testament to their scholastic achievement, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and their desire to become leaders in the business world.”
Additional high impact programs started during Plowman’s tenure include a business minor for non-business majors, a Career Services at CBA office, the Clifton Strengths Institute, an executive education program and more. To learn about everything happening at the College of Business Administration, visit the school on their website at http://cba.unl.edu.
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