University of Lynchburg’s School of Business and Economics (SOBE) ranked 10th in Leadership Excellence magazine as one of the best leadership development programs in the nation.
The recently announced rankings placed SOBE in the “Education/Universities/Schools of Business and Management” category with more than 150 schools competing. The SOBE program’s 2014 ranking jumped 12 spots from its number 22 position last year.
“It’s very gratifying to have the efforts of our faculty and the contributions of our guest speakers and visiting lecturers acknowledged in such a spectacular way,” said SOBE Dean Joe Turek, who went to Vail, Colorado for the awards ceremony. “While credit for significant achievements is always broadly shared, I would be remiss if I didn’t single out our strategic partner, the Office of Student Activities, for their many contributions to leadership development on the University of Lynchburg campus and beyond.
“Our emphasis on ethical decision making, commitment to global awareness and cultural diversity programming, Leadership Studies minor, Business Ethics and Leadership Lessons lecture series, and co-sponsorship of various co-curricular activities are collectively responsible for catapulting us to the #10 slot.”
Leadership development is an integral part of the SOBE experience, from its inclusion in the school’s course content to its integration throughout the fabric of student experience. Leadership principles and skills are developed across the curriculum through classes such as “Leadership and the Classics,” “Ethical Dilemmas in Business and Leadership,” and “Crisis Management.”
Beyond the classroom, students gain leadership skills through active participation in the Anderson Leadership Conference, the SOBE Student Advisory Board, the Lynchburg Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization, and the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity.
Turek also believes that executive-level interactions with community leaders, members of the SOBE Board of Advisors, and lecturers in the School of Business Ethics Series add to the richness of the SOBE leadership development experience.
Leadership Excellence magazine was founded in 1984 by management gurus Ken Shelton, Stephen R. Covey, Ken Blanchard, and Charles Garfield to provide a forum where, according to leadershipexcel.com, “the foremost minds on management and leadership share their breakthrough ideas.”
This year, more than a thousand organizations and institutions were assessed based on the seven selection criteria used for the rankings: vision/mission; involvement and participation; measurement and accountability; design, content, and curriculum; presenters, presentations, and delivery; take-home value; and outreach and outcomes.
Check out the rankings and page to educational institutions.
Information about LC’s School of Business and Economics is available at lynchburg/sobe or by calling 434.544.8417.
