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The Villanova School of Business is ranked consistently among the country’s best business schools by publications like Bloomberg Businessweek, U.S.News & World Report, and the Financial Times. We strive to deliver a world-class education that prepares students for the social, environmental, and ethical complexities of modern-day business.
VSB 2011 Rankings
Bloomberg Businessweek
Best Undergraduate Business Schools
• #7 in the nation • #2 in the nation for “Overall
Academic Quality” • A+ in “Teaching Quality” • A in “Job Placement”
U.S.News & World Report
• #1 rank for Villanova University among regional universities in the
North Region Best Business Programs by Specialty
• #24 in the nation for accounting
Wall Street Journal
Executive MBA
• #1 for classmates’ contributions to the learning experience
PARADE Magazine
College A-List for Undergraduate Business Schools
• Among the top seven schools in the nation for business and accounting
Financial Times
Executive MBA
• #34 among U.S.-Based Programs • #11 among U.S.-Based Programs in Career Progression
Aspen Institute Global 100
The Villanova MBA
• #55 worldwide in the Global 100 list of business schools, which recognizes schools that have integrated social, environmental, and ethical issues into their MBA programs
BusinessWeek
The Villanova MBA
• Consecutively ranked among the top 10 in academic quality
MBA Students Travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In an effort to enhance unDerstanDIng of the consistently evolving culture of the Middle East, Professors of Management and Operations Sohail and Peggy Chaudhry were eager to bring a group of Villanova MBA students to Dubai during winter break. The 10-day trip gave 31 students not only the opportunity to learn in the classroom, but also to explore the country in a way that would change their perspectives.
According to Professor Sohail Chaudhry, the three-credit multidisciplinary international practicum had a real impact on the vast majority of student participants. In fact, some are considering work in Dubai upon graduation, and even more will be adding an International Business specialization to their diplomas.
While in United Arab Emirates (UAE), students took courses at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Dubai, which is the sister school of IMT, Ghaziabad, one of the top-ranked private business schools in India. There they spent time learning from IMT professors, as well as business associates, about the cultural, religious, and business practices of the area.
The delegation gained firsthand knowledge about the transformation of the UAE into a growing economic superpower and an important player in regional and international affairs by visiting the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). There they met Nasser Saidi, PhD, chief economist of DIFC Authority, who spoke about the strategic importance of Dubai as a financial center. Other visits included the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Ducab (Dubai Cable Manufacturing), and DUBAL (Dubai Aluminum). The students traveled outside of Dubai to Sharjah to see the manufacturing and refurbishing of oil rigs by Lamprell. During this visit, some of Lamprell’s top executives gave presentations on the history and current status of the company.
“Dubai is a 24/7 country,” says Professor Sohail Chaudhry. “Business, such as construction industries, runs nonstop. The
Top: Students traveled to the Dubai International Financial Center for a presentation by Nasser Saidi, PhD, chief economist of DIFC Authority. Bottom: Professor Sohail Chaudhry and students visit the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
culture of business also is very different. Deals are made on trust. The country is full of incredible religious and cultural diversity, which was great for our students to witness.”
As with every opportunity, VSB tries to connect classroom lessons to the workplace, and this experience proved no different. “The lessons learned here can immediately be implemented into their careers,” Professor Sohail Chaudhry says. “What they learn on the streets one day about culture will ultimately help them in their own business environments.”
members of the camden Diocese to Pursue church management Degree
VsB anD the DIocese of Camden will offer an online Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) degree for both lay Catholics and ordained priests. Fr. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, A&S ’75, President of Villanova PhD, professor of economics and statistics and director of VSB’s Center for the Study of Church Management, participated in a signing ceremony at the Camden Diocesan Center to commemorate the agreement.
“You can go to a lot of places to learn management skills, but learning them in a faith-based context doesn’t always happen,” says Zech. “We work very hard to make sure that does happen at VSB.”
Upon completing the 30-credit program, which focuses on business skills and professional ethics as they relate to pastors, parish business managers, diocesan department heads, and others in church management positions, participants will receive the MSCM degree. The majority of courses for this program are offered online and are intended to be completed in two years, at a part-time status.
VU President Fr. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, A&S ’75 signs agreement with the Diocese of Camden to offer MSCM degree.
University; James M. Danko, The Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business; and Charles Zech,
WhIle traDItIonal mock interviews are common at the Villanova University Career Center, VSB students wanted an even greater level of preparation when they stepped in front of a potential employer. In response to the students’ requests for a realistic, industry-specific opportunity to practice business interviewing skills, the Clay Center at VSB launched “Practice with the Pros.”
The program, which is open to all undergraduate business majors, provides an opportunity for students to enhance and refine their interviewing skills while also spending valuable time with high-level executives from top firms including Vanguard, Credit Suisse, AgileCat, and AT&T. Participants included executives from professions and industries that are of strong interest among VSB students.
During one-on-one sessions, company representatives simulated industry/ profession-specific interviews with students. Participants also were given the opportunity to ask questions and received candid feedback they can use through the beginning stages of their careers.
“Our goal was to design a program where students would be asked real-life questions. Instead of common questions, such as ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses?,’ these sessions challenged the candidates’ knowledge of current events in banking or finance industries, for example, or asked them to predict the implications of an article published in the Wall Street Journal,” says VSB Associate Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs Melinda German.
Two graduating students found the experience to be especially rewarding. As a result of their mock interviews with Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters, the seniors secured full-time jobs. “While the intent of the ‘Practice with the Pros’ program is to provide opportunities to enhance the business-interviewing skills of our students, it is rewarding that we also can help connect them to professional opportunities,” says German. “The program provides a chance for students to test their understanding
Students meet with seasoned executives to practice business-specific interviewing skills as a part of the Clay Center’s new “Practice with the Pros” program.
about a specific industry in a non-pressured environment. If a student or two, in this case, actually secures a position, that exceeds our expectations.”
Michael Levin Introduces the ICE Center to Undergraduate Business Leaders
VsB JunIor mIchael leVIn Was selecteD to attenD and present at the Undergraduate Business School Leadership Conference (UBSLC), held at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Levin received the invitation after submitting his description of a unique event or program within the school of business. his proposal, one of ten selected, focused on the unique value, importance, and multi-disciplinary approach of VSB’s Center for Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE Center).
Michael Levin VSB ’12 introduces the ICE Center to attendees of the UBSLC.
The annual conference, in its 12th year, is designed to create a collaborative forum for student leaders from top universities around the world. Undergraduate student attendees also are exposed to leading business thinkers and practitioners, workshops in leadership development, cases, and other interactive exercises. Participants include students from the top 25 undergraduate business school programs in the United States as ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, as well as from leading international institutions.
During the conference Levin also participated in small-group sessions with executives who provided students with the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of industries while engaging in interactive dialogue with many well-known entrepreneurs. The participating business students not only developed heightened leadership skills and insights, but also built a social network with promising future business professionals.
VsB offers a new financial services coop in nYc
sPrIng 2011 saW the launch of the pilot Financial Services Operations cooperative education program (CoOp) with Morgan Stanley. A CoOp is a six-month, fulltime work experience offered to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in VSB or a business minor program. Students who choose to participate in a CoOp retain their full-time student status, earn six free elective credits for the successful completion of the CoOp, and graduate in the standard four years by completing coursework before, during, and after the CoOp. With the new Financial Services CoOp, interested students can now choose from seven CoOps in a wide range of industries.
During the course of the CoOp with Morgan Stanley, participating students live in New York City, work for Morgan Stanley full-time, and earn a salary. “I’ve been given challenging work that goes far beyond what is taught in the classroom,” says Joseph Lavin VSB ’12, who is a member of the first Morgan Stanley CoOp class. “Because I will be with the firm for six months, I have been given the opportunity to lead projects that are important to the business. But most importantly, I am held accountable for the work that I produce; high expectations are the norm, and results are expected.”
Each CoOp student is assigned a peer mentor at Morgan Stanley, who supports the student in his or her daily duties as well as with the overall transition into the company. CoOp students also work closely with fulltime colleagues, helping them carry out all of the responsibilities of the operations sector. In doing so, the students obtain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and get a taste of the challenges and opportunities they can expect from a career within the company. “Morgan Stanley makes sure that your experience as a CoOp is worthwhile,” says Lavin. “If I ever have a problem, I can turn to my peer mentor or my senior mentor, two people whom I’ve developed nice relationships with.” The company also invites the CoOp participants to their Senior Speaker Series, giving them the chance to have
The Financial Services Operations CoOp allows undergraduate students to work in New York City at Morgan Stanley.
informal discussions with and receive advice from officers of the firm and to learn more about various career paths.
Lavin is unabashed in his evaluation of the time he spent at Morgan Stanley. “My experience,” he says, “has been awesome. I will never forget my work here and the lessons I have learned.”
MBA Students Work for Non-Profit
VIllanoVa mBa stuDents PresenteD to toP executives this past fall, and their good work earned them a trip to West Palm Beach, FL, to present to the Board of Directors.
The 30 MBA students in Professor of Marketing John Kozup’s Strategic Marketing Management class were assigned to create a marketing plan for the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). The students were tasked with looking at ways to develop new revenue streams, to increase membership, and to enhance member activity. NIAF was particularly interested in tracking their younger members.
“NIAF relies on its annual gala for most of its revenue,” says Angela Bagnall MBA ’11. “We wanted to provide them with ideas about how to create alternative income streams.” In order to accomplish this and their other recommendations, the class conducted research and developed a new membership fee structure.
Most of the students in class had not worked with a nonprofit organization before, but they found the experience very rewarding. “We learned about a new type of industry and were able to help them solve some important problems,” Bagnall adds.
With Professor Kozup guiding the way, the students worked together to create a complete marketing plan, conducted demographic and industry research, and developed a presentation for NIAF executives.
The class presented their findings and recommendations to NIAF executives on the last day of class. Their work was so impressive that NIAF asked them to share it, in person, with the Board of Directors at its next meeting in West Palm Beach.
Armed with PowerPoint, Bagnall and her classmate Daeen Salam MBA ’12 presented to the NIAF board later that month. “It was a great opportunity to conduct a presentation in front of very senior level individuals,” says Salam. “Not only was it a huge honor, it felt amazing to be in front of that caliber of people.” Bagnall agrees, “It was a privilege to be there, to represent Villanova University, and to present our work on behalf of the class.”
The pair received very positive feedback from the board and anticipates many of their suggestions will be implemented soon by the association.
VSB students, accompanied by Professor David Nawrocki, learned about financial markets from investment professionals at the first Global Asset Management Education (G.A.M.E.) Forum.
G.A.M.E. Forum Unites Business
more than 90 BusIness ProfessIonals from almost 70 companies, including Bloomberg News, Wells Fargo, and NASDAQ, shared their knowledge with students from universities around the world at Quinnipiac’s inaugural Global Asset Management Education (G.A.M.E.) Forum. A new annual event, the G.A.M.E. Forum offers students and faculty, as well as professionals from the region, the opportunity to hear from and network with industry leaders who currently guide the financial markets. The Forum focuses on the economy, stock markets, alternative investments, and corporate governance. It also offers workshops on the job outlook for graduating students. VSB students composed more than half of the Forum’s attendees.
“The G.A.M.E. Forum brings together students, faculty, and investment professionals to discuss the different challenges, trends, and opportunities that exist within the financial markets,” says David Nawrocki, PhD, the Katherine M. and Richard J. Salisbury Jr. Endowed Professor of Finance. “It is also a very interactive conference. Our students had the chance to hear presentations from many high-level speakers addressing a wide range of issues, opportunities, and challenges facing the financial industry.”
VsB mourns loss of Beloved Professor
anDrea l. DemaskeY, PhD, associate professor of finance at VSB, passed away on Sunday, April 3, after a courageous battle with cancer.
DeMaskey, who was born in and lived in Germany before moving to the United States, had been a professor at Villanova University for the past 19 years. “Andrea was a well-respected and beloved member of the Villanova community since 1992, known for her dedication, hard work, and compassion,” says Dean James M. Danko. “her kindness, talent, and devotion to educational excellence will long be remembered.”
In addition to the positive impact she had on so many students during her time at VSB and the contributions she made to her field through scholarly research, DeMaskey served in key administrative roles, including chairing the finance department and VSB’s Undergraduate Curricular Review committee in 2007-08. “Andrea was a special friend and colleague to us all and an important part of the Villanova community,” says David Shaffer, chair of the finance department. “She was a caring mentor and teacher, always willing to share her expertise and experiences. She will be missed.”
DeMaskey was the beloved wife of Mikle K. DeMaskey and the mother of Cristopher, Oliver, and Jessica. She was the sister of Conny Fox and Marcus and Christian Achenbach. She also is survived by her aunt, Melitta Nothnagel. Donations in DeMaskey’s memory can be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380.
