U.S. News Ranking: The Deans Respond

Dean Peter Brews, South Carolina (Moore) (#55)

“The Moore School has over the past few years redesigned its international MBA program, and it is gratifying to receive such wonderful recognition for this effort. I am grateful to all the faculty, staff and students who contributed to the ranking announced today. Being ranked No. 1 in both undergraduate and graduate International Business programs by U.S. News & World Report is an outstanding accolade to receive, and the Moore School will continue on its innovative path in international business education so that this stellar ranking is maintained.”

Our Take: Smart. Focus on your strengths. Brews certainly walked into a great situation at Darla Moore.

Dean Robert S. Sullivan, University of San Diego (Rady) (#60)

“The rapid ascension of the Rady School in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a reflection of the quality of the school’s MBA programs and its growing international reputation. To be ranked the highest of any San Diego MBA program, less than 8 years after the school graduated its first MBA class, validates the excellence of the school’s faculty, curriculum, alumni network and business connections in San Diego and beyond.”

Our Take: Today, San Diego! Tomorrow, the world! Sullivan is right to be proud. From 0 to 60 in 8 years may not impress car enthusiasts, but it could serve as a blueprint for many business schools.

Dean Steven C. Currall, U.C.-Davis (Dropped 1 Spot)

The national recognition illustrates the School’s success in preparing the next generation of inspired, results-driven and innovation leaders who are committed to making a positive impact. Our students thrive in a tight-knit, collaborative community where they can work closely with each other and internationally renowned faculty ranked among the best in the world for overall quality and productivity.”

Our Take: Sounds almost too scripted, doesn’t it. That said, the school certainly took liberties with its press release headline: “UC Davis Full-Time MBA Ranked Among Nation’s Premier Programs for 19th Consecutive Year.” Among the “premier programs?” To put U.C.-Davis’ ranking in context, their index is 38 points below #1 Harvard and only 12 points above #73 Iowa State. You know what they say, “Pride goeth before a fall.”

Ken Middaugh (Associate Dean), Wake Forest (Babcock) (#58)

The significant improvement in our rankings is the result of the extraordinary efforts of our staff and faculty who provide exceptional instruction and mentorship, and to the high quality of our students who bring extensive work experience to the classroom.”

Our Take: Wow! That’s a lot of adjectives for one sentence. Everything may be bigger in Texas, but they’re unbelievably, incomparably, stupendously gigantic in Winston-Salem.

DON’T MISS: U.S. NEWS: WHARTON TIES HBS & STANFORD or WINNERS & LOSERS IN U.S. NEWS’ 2014 MBA RANKING

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