Welcome to the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. This is certainly one of the most exciting times in the history of the school and the role it is playing in our nation's business education.

The Carlson School's mission has three key aspects: discovery, opportunity, and community. These are realized through the work of our world-renowned faculty, interdisciplinary academic initiatives, innovative educational opportunities, and strong ties to the alumni and business community.

The Carlson School sits at the heart of the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community. The local economy is anchored by 19 Fortune 500 companies, including Target, General Mills, UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, and St. Paul Travelers, as well as flourishing entrepreneurial enterprises from diverse industries. In this environment, Carlson School students have impressive recruitment and internship options, as well as frequent opportunities to interact with national business leaders. And, this engagement with the business community pays off: 98% of our Full-Time MBA students are employed within 3 months of graduation.

Discovery comes alive with the research of the Carlson School's impressive faculty. The Carlson School was the birthplace of the marketing concept the 4 Ps, a leader in the study of quality, and pioneer in the field of information systems. Students learn from faculty internationally renowned in their fields.

Carlson School students have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test in the Carlson School Enterprises, the nation's largest portfolio of student-led, professionally run businesses that work on strategic projects for local and national clients. Through the Enterprise programs, students handle real risk through projects that generate revenue and results.

Opportunities for lifelong learning at the Carlson School include a full portfolio of academic offerings, with nine bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs for business education and a robust Executive Education offering. The annual reunions and alumni networks provide a chance to return to the Carlson and to connect across the globe with fellow graduates of the Carlson School.

At the Carlson School, interdisciplinary initiatives draw on the richness of the University of Minnesota and the surrounding community. Working with the University's Office of Business Development, Carlson students turn new technologies developed by University researchers into market-ready products, complete with business plans. The Medical Industry Leadership Initiative brings together faculty and leading experts in the medical industry. The Center for Integrative Leadership is managed jointly though a unique partnership between the Carlson School and the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs. The center's teaching and research explores new concepts in interdisciplinary leadership to help solve complex societal problems.

Founded in 1919, the Carlson School boasts a long tradition of educating business leaders. In 1986 Minnesota philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Carlson Companies founder Curt Carlson gave his name to the Carlson School. Thanks to the support of the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Legislature, friends, and alumni, in 2006 the Carlson School broke ground on Herbert M. Hanson, Jr. Hall, which will provide one of the nation's premier Undergraduate programs with a state-of-the art home and curriculum.

As it grows, the Carlson School expands its reputation for acclaimed research, for educating tomorrow's leaders, and for commitment to our community. As dean, it is my responsibility to ensure that we live up to our history of excellence in areas of traditional strength and that we also develop new opportunities, partnerships, and measures for success. Thank you for visiting our website, and I hope that you are enthused by what you find here.

Sincerely,

Alison Davis-Blake
Dean and Investors in Leadership Distinguished Chair in Organizational Behavior