New MBA program graduates first class

Southern University, Baton Rouge Fall 2007 commencement included the first graduates of the master's of business administration program. Sixteen students were a part of history and are now Southern MBAs.

More than 80 students are enrolled in the accredited program which "absolutely exceeded expectations" with students graduating 18 months after the program launch, said Southern MBA Director Ashagre Yigletu.

With a focus on affordable tuition and evening classes for working professionals, Yigletu said, Southern's program is fulfilling an important role for the state - especially as the only MBA program at a historically black college or university in Louisiana.

"The program is very practical, very friendly," he said. "Louisiana is in transition in terms of economic development. You need that local human capital."

The MBA is designed to implement the College of Business's mission to provide instruction, research, and service to the state of Louisiana, the nation, and the world. The mission of the College of Business is "to provide a quality business program that prepares students with diverse backgrounds for global career challenges and makes a significant contribution to the public and private sectors," as stated on the program's Web site.

College of Business Dean Donald Andrews explained that it took 10 years to gain accreditation and state approval for the MBA program.

After national accrediting agencies pushed for Southern to acquire the MBA, the Louisiana Board of Regents, which must approve new degree programs in the state, proved difficult to convince.

"The Regents said the program would be duplicative of others in the region," Andrews said, referring to LSU's successful MBA programs and a for-profit program at The University of Phoenix.

The Regents approved a general MBA program for Southern in 2005 with focuses in e-business, international business, entrepreneurship and supply-chain management.