May 29-30, 2003

ITEM 119-2011-R0503  Authorization to Establish the Gary K. Bracken Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education; Montana State University-Bozeman

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University-Bozeman to establish the Gary K. Bracken Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education.

EXPLANATION: The College of Business at Montana State University-Bozeman seeks the creation of the Gary K. Bracken Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education.

Across the nation business schools have neglected undergraduate business education in a concerted rush towards recognition for successful MBA programs, expansion of MBA programs and expansion of Ph.D. programs. The College of Business at MSU-Bozeman recognizes this national lack of attention to undergraduate business education and has made undergraduate education its major strategic focus. College objectives include small class sizes, faculty (rather than graduate students) devoted to teaching every class, and personal faculty mentors assigned to every business student as advisors.

The natural extension of two decades of commitment to our undergraduate business program is the creation of a student and faculty center formalizing our strategic focus on excellence in undergraduate business education.

In January 2001, as part of the strategic plan of the College, the Dean began to seek endowed funding for the creation of a center for excellence. His efforts have resulted in the successful establishment of the $3,000,000 Bracken Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education. The earnings from this endowment are devoted specifically and exclusively to the establishment and maintenance of the Gary K. Bracken Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education.