U.S. Public and Private Higher Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
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University of Portsmouth: Study Explores How Fear Impacts the Financial Health of the Airline Industry
PORTSMOUTH, England, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- The University of Portsmouth issued the following news:
A new study reveals how news and external uncertainties, like rising investor fear and geopolitical risks, affect the financial performance of airline companies. By analysing airline equity returns, researchers found that some shocks have long-term effects while others are short-lived, highlighting the unique challenges facing the aviation industry.
The study published in Economic Letters (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165176524004786?via%3Dihub#fn6) uses advanced forecasting
... Show Full Article
PORTSMOUTH, England, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- The University of Portsmouth issued the following news:
A new study reveals how news and external uncertainties, like rising investor fear and geopolitical risks, affect the financial performance of airline companies. By analysing airline equity returns, researchers found that some shocks have long-term effects while others are short-lived, highlighting the unique challenges facing the aviation industry.
The study published in Economic Letters (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165176524004786?via%3Dihub#fn6) uses advanced forecastingmethods to analyse how external factors influence airline stock performance. It shows how rising investor fear is the most significant and long-lasting uncertainty affecting airline equity returns, while other factors like fuel costs and geopolitical risks have shorter-term impacts.
Dr Scott Mahadeo, Senior Lecturer in Macroeconomics at the University of Portsmouth explained: "Airline firms are uniquely vulnerable to external shocks, from geopolitical tensions to climate policy changes. Our study shows that investors' fear has the most enduring negative effect on airline stocks. This insight is vital for financial planning in the industry, especially as it looks to navigate a future shaped by global uncertainties."
Key findings from the study include:
* Rising Investors' Fear: The most pronounced impact on airline equity returns, with negative effects lasting up to a year.
* Geopolitical Risk: A short-lived but significant negative effect on stock performance, primarily within the first month.
* Climate Policy Uncertainty: Surprisingly, a rise in uncertainty around climate policies positively impacts airline stocks in the short term, possibly reflecting investor confidence in airlines' ability to navigate policy changes.
* Fuel Price Uncertainty: Initially reduces airline equity returns but can turn positive over time as airlines implement risk mitigation strategies.
* Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Limited long-term impact on airline equities, with COVID-19 being a notable exception due to its unprecedented scale.
The research emphasises the importance of diversifying strategies to manage these risks. Accelerating green transitions, for example, could help airlines reduce their exposure to fossil fuel price volatility and climate-related uncertainties.
For young investors and financial planners, the study provides valuable insights into how external shocks shape the aviation industry's financial landscape. It encourages future research to explore how news impacts airline stocks during stable versus volatile market conditions.
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Original text here: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/study-explores-how-fear-impacts-the-financial-health-of-the-airline-industry
University of Exeter: Europe's Native Oyster Ecosystems Have 'Collapsed'
EXETER, England, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- The University of Exeter issued the following news:
Scientists have revealed that Europe's native oyster ecosystem has declined to the extent that it has 'collapsed', highlighting the importance of ambitious restoration initiatives.
The assessment, led by international conservation charity ZSL and the University of Edinburgh, came after researchers from across Europe reviewed historical and ecological data with the intention of defining the extent of the European native oyster ecosystem.
They discovered that the species has faced such extreme decimation that
... Show Full Article
EXETER, England, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- The University of Exeter issued the following news:
Scientists have revealed that Europe's native oyster ecosystem has declined to the extent that it has 'collapsed', highlighting the importance of ambitious restoration initiatives.
The assessment, led by international conservation charity ZSL and the University of Edinburgh, came after researchers from across Europe reviewed historical and ecological data with the intention of defining the extent of the European native oyster ecosystem.
They discovered that the species has faced such extreme decimation thatit must now be classified as 'collapsed' according to the IUCN's Red List of Ecosystems criteria.
Scientists have revealed that thriving oyster reef ecosystems are nothing like those seen in European seas today.
Newly compiled historical data shows these complex three-dimensional oyster reefs once grew to the size of a football pitch and collectively covered an area of over 1.7 million hectares, an area larger than Greater London.
They would have hosted a diverse, abundant and flourishing community of fish, crabs, starfish, and birds, such as the distinctive oystercatchers - named for their preference for feeding on oysters.
Healthy oyster reefs are vital habitats for many species and have a huge impact on the environment around them.
They provide food for people, stabilise shorelines, cycle nutrients and filter water --a single adult oyster filters up to 200 litres of water daily.
Current definitions of the habitat specify a handful of oysters on the seafloor as their defining feature in comparison to their historical vibrancy.
The lack of an ecologically meaningful baseline and accurate definition has hampered current efforts to restore reef ecosystems.
While the ecosystem red listing is bad news for the habitat's current status, it should serve as a catalyst for greater ambition in ecosystem recovery.
"The rich and diverse seafloor ecosystem described in multiple historical documents is almost unthinkable in the degraded European seas of today. These perspectives open a window to the past and help us imagine what we could gain with greater ambition when conserving and restoring our seas," said Ruth Thurstan, Associate Professor in Marine and Historical Ecology at the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation and a co-author on the paper.
Primarily due to historical overexploitation compounded by poor water quality and disease, the seafloor is now a flat, barren expanse of sediment with low diversity.
European oyster reef habitats are now so scattered and degraded that, except for a few locations such as Norway and Sweden, oysters are largely found in isolation or in tiny clumps.
In Europe, most oyster populations exist in densities of less than one individual per square metre. Where they are found grouped together, these oyster clumps cover less than 0.1ha.
"With the collapse of the native oyster ecosystem across Europe, we've also lost an enormous filtration engine in the NE Atlantic due to oysters' role in filtering seawater and removing nutrients. Possibly even more stark is the loss of biodiversity that preyed or lived on these reefs and the organisms that inhabited them," said Joanne Preston, Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth and co-founder of the Native Oyster Network UK & Ireland.
"Piecing the historical data together with data from current restoration and recovery efforts, we were able to define the original structure and function of the native oyster reef ecosystem. We were shocked by our findings. We knew from other regions that oyster reefs were important, and we have long known that they are highly degraded in Europe but pulling all this information together in a structured way, as required by the IUCN Ecosystem Red Listing Framework, brought to light the critical role that oyster reefs once served," said Dr Philine zu Ermgassen of the University of Edinburgh and lead author of the study.
"Given time and space, nature can recover. As a habitat-creating species, restoring native oyster habitat could potentially trigger a cascade of recovery for other species, offering a beacon of hope in the face of collapse. However, it will not be a quick fix as oyster reefs are slow to generate, with layers of new oysters building up on the dead shells of their predecessors," said Alison Debney, Conservation Lead at the Zoological Society of London.
"This IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assessment of Europe's native oyster reefs has revealed the true scale of what we have lost. But it also points to solutions," said Marcos Valderrabano, Programme Manager Red List of Ecosystems, IUCN.
"By applying the Red List of Ecosystems criteria, we can reveal the severity of ecosystem degradation, and prioritise restoration efforts. This assessment serves as a wake-up call to protect and restore ecosystems that are not only vital to biodiversity but also provide invaluable services to people and the planet."
Restoration of native oyster reefs and other coastal habitats can have multiple benefits, including boosting local economies through job creation, increasing the security of coastal livelihoods by improving fish and shellfish stocks, and boosting the tourism and recreation industries.
Eighteen native oyster restoration projects are currently underway across the UK and Ireland, but the researchers say these projects alone cannot restore native oyster reef ecosystems to the scale required.
"Current recovery efforts will be insufficient. We need to look back in time to work out a true but ambitious baseline for what healthy oyster reef ecosystems looked like to restore them to their vital ecosystem services potential - not base it on modern understanding, which has felt the impact of added pressures of over-fishing and other human impacts," said Dr Philine zu Ermgassen. "While UK and EU Restoration efforts are a commendable starting point, a cross-sector approach is needed to halt destructive activities. Small-scale restoration projects are valuable, but true ecosystem recovery requires systemic processes and sustainable financing."
"European Native Oyster Reef Ecosystems Are Universally Collapsed" is published in Conservation Letters.
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JOURNAL: Conservation Letters https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1755263x
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Original text here: https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/europes-native-oyster-ecosystems-have-collapsed/
Tulane University: Honey Can Reveal Clues About Environmental Pollution Near You
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- Tulane University issued the following news release:
Inside every jar of honey is a taste of the local environment, its sticky sweet flavor enhanced by whichever nearby flowers bees have decided to sample. But a new study from Tulane University has found that honey can also offer a glimpse of nearby pollution.
The study, published in Environmental Pollution, tested 260 honey samples from 48 states for traces of six toxic metals: arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and cobalt. None of the honeys showed unsafe levels of toxic metals - based on a
... Show Full Article
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- Tulane University issued the following news release:
Inside every jar of honey is a taste of the local environment, its sticky sweet flavor enhanced by whichever nearby flowers bees have decided to sample. But a new study from Tulane University has found that honey can also offer a glimpse of nearby pollution.
The study, published in Environmental Pollution, tested 260 honey samples from 48 states for traces of six toxic metals: arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and cobalt. None of the honeys showed unsafe levels of toxic metals - based on aserving size of one tablespoon per day - and concentrations in the United States were lower than global averages. However, researchers found regional differences in toxic metal distribution: the highest arsenic levels were found in honeys from a cluster of states in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Nevada); the Southeast tested highest for cobalt levels, including Louisiana and Mississippi; and two of the three highest lead levels were found in the Carolinas.
Overall, the study highlights a potential dual role for honey as both a food source and a tool for monitoring environmental pollution.
"Bees act as passive samplers, picking up contaminants from the air, water and plants while foraging. These contaminants end up in honey, offering us a snapshot of an area's environmental pollution," said lead author Tewodros Godebo, assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University.
The study is the first to test honey from across the country for the presence of toxic metals and used only single-source honeys that listed their origin.
Researchers could only speculate as to the causes of the pollution trends. The high arsenic levels found in Washington (170 ug/kg), Oregon (130 ug/kg) and Idaho (47.8 ug/kg) could point to pollution from historical agricultural pesticide use or industrial sources. The higher presence of lead in honeys from North Carolina and South Carolina - 451 ug/kg and 76.8 ug/kg respectively - could be from mining, soil contaminated from legacy traces of leaded gasoline and paint, or combustion of lead-based aircraft fuel.
Definitively connecting the pollution found in honeys to their sources would require further study. Godebo said he hopes these findings spur further research into the sources of toxic metal pollutants, adding, "The environment can have more of these metals than what shows up in bees' honey."
"What we found is that this appears to serve as a good proxy for uncovering regional contamination patterns," Godebo said. "But there's a lot we may still learn from bees about what pollutants are present in the environment and how those relate to nearby community health outcomes."
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JOURNAL: Environmental Pollution https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749124019389?via%3Dihub
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Original text here: https://news.tulane.edu/pr/honey-can-reveal-clues-about-environmental-pollution-near-you
Newcastle University: Government Needs to Be Clearer on Food Waste Rules, Says New Report
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- Newcastle University issued the following news:
English councils could struggle to meet new food waste recycling regulations, known as 'Simpler Recycling' which are due to come into force next year, says a Newcastle University report.
Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling extends the duty of care for waste collection to include separate food waste collections to both businesses and organisations and local authorities. From 01 April 2025, businesses and organisations which have more than 10 full time equivalent employees must arrange for the separate
... Show Full Article
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- Newcastle University issued the following news:
English councils could struggle to meet new food waste recycling regulations, known as 'Simpler Recycling' which are due to come into force next year, says a Newcastle University report.
Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling extends the duty of care for waste collection to include separate food waste collections to both businesses and organisations and local authorities. From 01 April 2025, businesses and organisations which have more than 10 full time equivalent employees must arrange for the separatecollection of their food waste, and from 01 April 2026, local authorities have a duty to collect food waste separately from all households on a weekly basis.
However, research by Dr Jane Midgley, Reader in Urban Social and Economic Practice in Newcastle University's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, has found the lack of clarity from central Government has left councils unclear about their responsibilities under the new regulations and could leave them struggling to fulfil their obligations.
Recommendations
* Dr Midgley has called for better resourcing, guidance and clarity from the Government.
* In her report Food Waste Futures, she outlines the challenges facing local authorities. She found:
* There is not enough available data for councils to estimate how much commercial waste they may be responsible for
* Uncertainty if private sector waste collectors won't offer a service to businesses and organisations whether they must be the collector of last resort
* Inadequate infrastructure - anaerobic digesters - to process the waste in some areas.
* Local authorities in rural areas face particular challenges due to the size of the area they are responsible for.
"The Government is beginning to turn its attention to its food waste recycling expectations but much more needs to be done," says Dr Midgley. "Only last week the Government announced that it was allowing local authorities the flexibility to determine the best approach within their authority for residual waste collections from households to support Simpler Recycling and food waste recycling and clarified that enforcement activity for non-compliance by large businesses and organisations will start with immediate effect on 01 April 2025. Based on my research these clarifications are welcome, however English local authorities still face significant uncertainties.
"Taking expectations for larger businesses and organisations generated food waste, local authorities still do not know - with less than four months- to go whether they are expected to be the provider of last resort if private/third party waste operators are not able to provide a separate food waste collection service, which is a challenge for any authority to implement and problematic for rural authorities."
Her recommendations include:
* The Government should be clear about continued funding for operational costs and provide greater certainty regarding its expectations, and infrastructure capacity and planning.
* Support efforts for avoidable food waste prevention alongside food waste recycling.
* Identify a clear set of measures that help local authorities clearly chart what progress is being made on waste reduction and net-zero contributions that go beyond capturing food waste's movement away from landfill.
Challenges
The new rules are part of the Government's Waste and Resource Strategy for England which was announced in 2018. Its aim is to eliminate food and other biodegradable waste going to landfill by 2028 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on landfill. Under the strategy, it is preferred that food waste will be treated by anaerobic digesters which would produce energy and fertilizers from it.
Dr Midgley added: "Local authorities continue to face challenges implementing the Simpler Recycling for food waste. Food waste is expected to be collected and treated separately from other waste, to ensure recycling this is supposed to be treated through anaerobic digestion (AD) and not enter landfill or incineration. Yet local authorities highlighted that they had no AD treatment capacity in their area and some had limited regional capacity. Waste treatment infrastructure is something that needs to be considered urgently, especially as more local authorities will be collecting food waste from 2026 and beyond."
Forty councils responded to an online survey created by Dr Midgley in July 2024. The research was funded by a Newcastle University Economic and Social Research Council Impact Accelerator Account.
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REPORT: https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/302311/0D923E9B-03D2-4EB5-AF88-86130DC21C21.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2024/12/foodwastereport/
Mount Union Announces Nearly 10% Tuition Reduction for Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Strengthening Accessibility for Aspiring Physical Therapists
ALLIANCE, Ohio, Dec. 6 -- The University of Mount Union issued the following news:
The University of Mount Union is pleased to announce a strategic tuition adjustment for its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The adjustment reflects the institution's commitment to making a high-quality education more accessible to students interested in a career in physical therapy.
Beginning in August, tuition for the 2025 DPT program cohort will decrease by 9%, bringing the cost to $12,650 per 15-week term. This reduction in tuition also strengthens Mount Union's established position in high-demand
... Show Full Article
ALLIANCE, Ohio, Dec. 6 -- The University of Mount Union issued the following news:
The University of Mount Union is pleased to announce a strategic tuition adjustment for its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The adjustment reflects the institution's commitment to making a high-quality education more accessible to students interested in a career in physical therapy.
Beginning in August, tuition for the 2025 DPT program cohort will decrease by 9%, bringing the cost to $12,650 per 15-week term. This reduction in tuition also strengthens Mount Union's established position in high-demandhealthcare-related fields.
"Our decision to lower tuition underscores our dedication to affordability while further strengthening our competitive edge in the market. We recognize that the true worth of our students' DPT education is marked, in the end, by their personal and professional success as a physical therapist," said Dr. Sheryl Holt, director of the Mount Union DPT program. "Our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that our students are met with exceptional educational opportunities and needed support every step of the way."
Understanding the increased need for skilled healthcare professionals, this tuition reduction allows Mount Union's DPT program to be within reach of students of all backgrounds while continuing to uphold the highest standards of excellence in preparing the next generation of PTs. In 2023, the program celebrated a 100% graduation rate and achieved a 100% ultimate pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), further affirming its position as a leader in physical therapy education.
"The University understands affordability is top of mind. We are committed to making the degree in the DPT program more attainable and ensure that graduates remain well-prepared to excel in their careers," said Dr. Bryan Boatright, dean of graduate, digital, continued learning and associate VPAA. "Its faculty, curriculum, and resources remain as robust and vibrant as ever, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic healthcare landscape."
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Original text here: https://www.mountunion.edu/news/mount-union-announces-nearly-10-tuition-reduction-for-doctor-of-physical-therapy-program-strengthening-accessibility-for-aspiring-physical-therapists
Lawrence Tech, Springboard Launch Tech Skills Bootcamps
SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, Dec. 6 -- Lawrence Technological University issued the following news:
Lawrence Technological University has partnered with Springboard, a leading online learning company known for preparing students for high-growth technology careers, to offer three new bootcamps focused on in-demand tech skills to students and professionals in the Detroit region and around the world.
These programs, which will be delivered fully online, are designed to help working professionals and career changers gain expertise in the most sought-after fields in the technology sector, including cybersecurity,
... Show Full Article
SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, Dec. 6 -- Lawrence Technological University issued the following news:
Lawrence Technological University has partnered with Springboard, a leading online learning company known for preparing students for high-growth technology careers, to offer three new bootcamps focused on in-demand tech skills to students and professionals in the Detroit region and around the world.
These programs, which will be delivered fully online, are designed to help working professionals and career changers gain expertise in the most sought-after fields in the technology sector, including cybersecurity,software engineering, and data analytics. Enrollment is now open, with the first cohort of courses set to begin Jan. 13, 2025.
The Detroit region has established itself as a national technology leader, attracting companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, X, Rivian, and more. Long known for its automotive innovation, Detroit is now harnessing its rich industrial legacy to fuel growth in technology. The city's efforts to create a tech-friendly environment have transformed its downtown, substantiated by Ford's massive renovation of Michigan Central Station, the 640,000-square-foot centerpiece within Michigan Central, a new mobility innovation district dedicated to the development of new urban transportation solutions. With Detroit's revival in full swing, the city's startup ecosystem is now the second fastest growing in the world.
Through its partnership with Springboard, these newly launched LTU bootcamps will provide students in Michigan and around the world with a unique opportunity to tap into Detroit's tech innovation and momentum. Through the bootcamps, which are open to the public, students develop foundational skills in software engineering, data analytics or cybersecurity and gain real-world experience, while earning certification from Lawrence Technological University, thereby setting them up for immediate career advancement.
"Lawrence Technological University is a leading technological university in the Midwest, one of 13 technologically-focused, doctoral comprehensive, and private universities in the nation; with a world-class reputation in engineering, computing, and IT, and deep roots in the Detroit Metropolitan area," said Andrew Moers, president of consumer business at Springboard. "As a former Detroiter, I'm incredibly excited to work in partnership with LTU to expand their technological offerings. Tech talent is in short supply, and the need for skilled professionals in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering in metro Detroit has never been greater. Our partnership allows us to bring flexible, career-focused training to more students, helping them build the skills they need to succeed in the modern workplace."
Springboard's industry-driven curriculum is developed in consultation with experts and hiring managers from top technology companies. In addition to technical training, students receive one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals who are actively working in the field at Fortune 100 companies such as Amazon, Google, and Adobe, as well as many emerging tech companies. Students also benefit from personalized career coaching to guide them in building a professional network, honing their resume and interview skills, and landing a job after completing the bootcamp.
"We're excited to partner with Springboard to provide cutting-edge programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in the technology sector," said Lisa Kujawa, LTU vice president of enrollment management. "By offering bootcamps in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics, we are giving students the tools they need to succeed in some of the fastest-growing areas of technology."
Bootcamps offered through the partnership include:
* Software Engineering Bootcamp: This program covers the full spectrum of web development, from front-end and back-end programming to database management and algorithms. Students will build their own software projects and create a portfolio to showcase their coding skills to potential employers.
* Cybersecurity Bootcamp: Designed for individuals looking to break into or advance in the cybersecurity field, this bootcamp covers key areas like network security, threat detection, and vulnerability management. Students will complete hands-on projects and develop skills needed to safeguard critical systems and data from cyberattacks.
* Data Analytics Bootcamp: Focused on data-driven decision-making, this bootcamp teaches students how to analyze, interpret, and visualize data using tools like SQL, Python, Excel, and Tableau. Graduates will be prepared to turn complex data into actionable insights that drive business strategies.
Flexible, Career-Focused Learning
Springboard's bootcamps are structured to be completed in 6 to 9 months, with students typically dedicating 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies. The self-paced format allows learners to balance education with other life commitments. The programs also feature real-world projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings, while building a portfolio to demonstrate their skills to potential employers. Springboard has helped more than 20,000 students worldwide transform their careers, with graduates who go on to secure jobs at leading companies such as Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
Prospective students can learn more and apply at careerbootcamps.ltu.edu.
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Flexible, Career-Focused Learning
Springboard's bootcamps are structured to be completed in 6 to 9 months, with students typically dedicating 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies. The self-paced format allows learners to balance education with other life commitments. The programs also feature real-world projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings, while building a portfolio to demonstrate their skills to potential employers. Springboard has helped more than 20,000 students worldwide transform their careers, with graduates who go on to secure jobs at leading companies such as Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
Prospective students can learn more and apply at careerbootcamps.ltu.edu.
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About Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 technological, comprehensive doctoral, independent universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Michigan, LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation's top universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation's top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report list it in the top tier of the best Midwest colleges; and LTU is included in the Princeton Review's "The Best Colleges 2025 Edition," a list of the nation's top colleges and universities. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, "theory and practice" education with an emphasis on technological eminence, research and creative practices, industry immersion, interdisciplinary agility, and professional excellence. LTU is world-renowned for its blend of theoretical and practical learning, producing graduates who are equipped to succeed in the workplace and contribute to the world's technological advancement.
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Original text here: https://www.ltu.edu/content/news/lawrence-tech-springboard-launch-tech-skills-bootcamps
Kennesaw State Offers First Rural Management MBA in the Country
KENNESAW, Georgia, Dec. 6 -- Kennesaw State University issued the following news release:
Kennesaw State University is launching a new Rural Management concentration for its Evening Master of Business Administration program in Fall 2025. The program, which is the first rural management MBA program in the country, will empower rural communities to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for their residents.
The University System of Georgia this week approved two new concentrations for the Evening MBA program: Rural Management and Business Intelligence. While both additions
... Show Full Article
KENNESAW, Georgia, Dec. 6 -- Kennesaw State University issued the following news release:
Kennesaw State University is launching a new Rural Management concentration for its Evening Master of Business Administration program in Fall 2025. The program, which is the first rural management MBA program in the country, will empower rural communities to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for their residents.
The University System of Georgia this week approved two new concentrations for the Evening MBA program: Rural Management and Business Intelligence. While both additionsallow the MBA program to expand its reach and relevance, the Rural Management concentration is unique in that no other university in the state serves that audience.
"Rural counties are experiencing incredible growth right now," said Renee Bourbeau, executive director of MBA programs for Kennesaw State's Michael Coles College of Business. "These communities have a need for qualified professionals to fill leadership positions in business and government. Kennesaw State is proud to be the first university in the country to offer an MBA program specifically tailored to their unique economic position."
As a discipline, rural management involves solving challenges around sustainable agriculture, building and maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment.
Bourbeau said the time is right for a program like this. For the first time in a decade, rural counties across America are experiencing population growth, with the U.S. Census Bureau listing two Georgia counties - Jackson and Dawson - among the fastest growing in the country.
"We've seen what can happen in rural communities when there is a leadership vacuum," Bourbeau said. "When Talking Rock, Ga. lost its mayor in 2021, it led to the city losing its fire station and eventually its fire designation, leading to increased insurance rates for its residents. A program like ours will prepare cities and counties for leadership crises like this."
In addition to the Rural Management Concentration, the USG also approved the creation of an Evening MBA concentration in Business Intelligence. The MBA program has had a certificate program in BI since 2020. The concentration provides MBA students with greater opportunities to gain the analytics skills to become data-driven decision-makers.
"Business intelligence reflects the tools and technologies to collect, integrate, analyze, and present an organization's data to create insightful, actionable information," said Jomon Paul, the Coles College's associate dean of research and accreditation and the BI program's lead faculty. "This knowledge prepares professionals to make critical decisions that impact their organization's effectiveness and bottom line."
Students in either concentration will complete the core MBA classes. Those enrolled in the Rural Management program will also take courses on topics like economic development in rural America and agribusiness strategy. BI students complete courses on business analysis, risk management, big-data analysis, and more.
These additions join existing MBA concentrations in accounting, digital marketing, finance, fintech, general management, information security and assurance, and organizational entrepreneurship and innovation.
"We are always looking for new ways to adapt our programs to respond to the needs of our students and the business community," Bourbeau said. "Our concentrations in Rural Management and Business Intelligence expand Kennesaw State into new markets and provide more students with opportunities for career advancement."
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Original text here: https://www.kennesaw.edu/news/stories/2024/kennesaw-state-offers-first-rural-management-mba.php
