Business for a Better World.
This powerful phrase is the “rallying cry” of the Colorado State University College of Business, the thread that unites us, and the vision that guides us as we plan our strategic course for the next five years. With this bold statement, we will shape the questions that our faculty address through their research and the curriculum we create to ensure that our students are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. We will use this new direction to elevate our commitment to excellence, access, and opportunities for student success, and our passion for engaging and enriching the communities that we serve.
Little did we know that Business for a Better World, an idea that emerged during our strategic planning process this past year, would become even more compelling as we navigate the impact and uncertainty created by a global pandemic.
This health crisis has created some extraordinary trials for our world – and our campus. Colorado State University made the difficult decision to shift to online teaching and learning, putting the health and safety of our students, staff, and faculty first. Our faculty have been extraordinary, quickly transitioning their courses to online formats. Almost overnight, our staff adapted, providing advising and career service support remotely, surrounding our students with all of the guidance and counsel that they need to be successful.
And of course, our students. They have shown remarkable resourcefulness as they transitioned to a new online learning environment and resilience as they departed campus, leaving behind friends, student clubs, and community connections. They have rallied, adapted, and adjusted to new ways of learning, living, and engaging with our now remote campus community.
Through it all, we continue on, centered now more than ever on using business for a better world. New programs like our Impact MBA are set to launch in Fall 2020. Our “Room of the Future” – Mosaic, a high-end technology platform – takes access to an exceptional online education to the next level. The partnership between our Institute for Entrepreneurship and Defy Colorado is designed to reduce recidivism rates among those incarcerated in Colorado. Through research, Professor Tom Dean explores how companies can help preserve the Earth’s biodiversity and, at the same time, improve the bottom line.
From alumni like attorney Ray Boucher, whose life’s work is fighting for social justice, to business partners like FirstBank, which promotes “Banking for Good,” and the executive members of my Global Leadership Council, who give their time, talent, and treasure to the College of Business, we are united in our commitment to use business for good.
As you read our magazine, I hope you feel inspired to engage with those around you to use business to create a better world. With this focus, I am confident that we will emerge from this time in our history as a stronger business school, and as better people and leaders.
Beth Walker, Ph.D.
Dean, Colorado State University College of Business
2025 Goals
Be recognized nationally as a leader in advancing business to address the social, environmental, and economic challenges of the 21st century.
1. Elevate the quality and impact of our scholarship.
2. Transform the educational experience to enhance learning and champion access to improve students' opportunities for success.
3. Impart students with the values, knowledge, and skills to navigate rapidly evolving markets and careers and to address global challenges with sustainable business models and practices.
4. Engage and enrich the communities that we serve.
5. Develop and empower a workforce that is purpose-driven, highly valued, and diverse.
6. Secure financial and operational stability and strength to sustain programs and fuel the College's strategic priorities.