The Walton MBA programs implement changes to the programs to benefit students starting in the Fall 2021 semester.
After in-person orientations resumed in the beginning of August, the new MBA cohorts are prepared to start their classes in the fall and beginning a new academic year with some exciting changes to the Walton MBA programs.
This year, the Walton Executive MBA (EMBA) program welcomed 77 new students into the program. The full-time MBA program welcomed 38 students into the program.
Director of MBA Programs Adam Stoverink said that he was very excited about the new cohorts after interacting with them during their orientations.
“Our two new cohorts—both Executive MBA and full-time MBA—are among the best we’ve
ever seen,” Stoverink said. “During both program orientations, I had the chance to
get to know many of the new students. They are so impressive!”
This year sees many new and exciting changes for the Walton MBA programs. For his first fall semester as MBA director, Stoverink said that he is most excited about connecting with the students, especially after the strain the pandemic has put on classes.
“A year of remote instruction made me realize how much we take for granted — the little things like greeting students as they enter the room and chatting about their lives—their struggles, their triumphs, and just their day-to-day happenings,” Stoverink said. “Our virtual technology offers a lot of flexibility and I believe it facilitates high-quality instruction. But there’s one thing it can’t do, and that’s replace the personal connections that emerge organically in the physical classroom.”
The EMBA program will continue to offer some flexibility with virtual attendance like
they offered last year as a response to the pandemic.
“Though we are confident that we will continue to carry on with in-person classes in the fall, we are making arrangements so that students can join us remotely if there is a need,” said Aditi Kar, assistant EMBA director. “I don’t expect that the quality or the content of the courses delivered by the faculty will change or that we — the MBA office and faculty — have to compromise on the quality of the education.”
A major change for the full-time MBA program includes moving professional development to intersession in Spring 2022 instead of having it the first two weeks of the semester.
“This will allow students to start their semester at the same time as other programs across campus and will allow for them to devote more of their focus to the professional development activities without worrying about being behind in their other coursework,” said Lindsey Steiger-Muck, assistant MBA director.
Both programs will also benefit from the creation of the Walton MBA Diversity Committee, a committee made up of students and staff that are dedicated to fostering an inclusive climate within all areas of the Walton MBA programs.
This committee was created as the programs saw an increase in diverse populations
within each cohort. For Fall 2021, the full-time MBA program saw an 11% increase in
female students as well as a 7% increase in African American students.
“Students that enhance diversity and inclusion within our program are instrumental to our mission,” Steiger-Muck said. “It is essential for Walton MBA students to build relationships with those that do not look, think, or have the same lived experiences as them. If they do not, they will not be prepared for life after the Walton MBA.”
The EMBA program saw a decrease in diversity from last year’s cohort, but their numbers remain comparable to 2019’s incoming cohort. Despite the decrease, Kar still sees incredible value to having the Walton MBA Diversity Committee.
“I hope that the Walton MBA Diversity Committee will enhance people’s knowledge about other groups,” Kar said. “By exposing students to various cultural and social groups, it will prepare them to become better citizens in their communities and workplace.”
