News Nation: “Thinking about an MBA? AI skills may offer a bigger career boost.

A new PwC survey of more than 1,000 financial service executives found that 86% believe AI skills training is more valuable than an MBA for many new hires.

For some workers, that expertise is already paying off. Among the executives surveyed, 91% are increasing compensation for employees with AI skills, while 58% are willing to pay a premium for AI fluency.”

To read more, click here.

To read the full PwC survey, click here.

DON’T MISS: AI ISN’T REPLACING THE MBA. IT’S REDEFINING WHAT BUSINESS LEADERS NEED TO KNOW

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Chicago Booth Partners with King Saud University on Leadership Development

University of Chicago: “King Saud University (KSU), represented by the Deanship of Human Resources and the Deanship of Skills Development, has launched the first phase of the Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) in partnership with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, one of the world’s leading institutions in leadership development and executive education.

The new program marks an important milestone in collaboration between the two institutions, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing academic excellence, leadership development, research collaboration and innovation.

The program reflects KSU’s strong commitment to investing in human capital and developing the next generation of academic leaders. It also builds on the University’s strategic international partnerships announced during the TamkeenX 2026 Forum.”

To read more, click here.

DON’T MISS: TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MBA EXPERIENCE, STEP OUTSIDE THE MBA BUBBLE

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An Interview with Virginia Darden’s New Dean

Darden School of Business: “Few business schools are as closely identified with what happens in the classroom as the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Darden’s reputation has long rested on an immersive Socratic case-method approach to teaching, deeply engaged faculty, business-relevant research, loyal alumni and a belief that leadership is learned through preparation, conversation and sound decision-making. Across two decades and two consequential deanships, the School has sharpened that identity while expanding its reach through new programs, facilities, partnerships and a growing presence in the Washington, D.C., area.

Yael Grushka-Cockayne has seen that evolution up close and helped carry it forward — in the classroom, in her scholarship and in senior roles across the School.

Now, as Darden’s 10th dean, she steps into a new role at a moment when business education has rarely felt more important: artificial intelligence is changing how people work, careers demand continual learning and organizations need leaders who can learn quickly, think clearly and make sound decisions amid uncertainty.

In a conversation with The Darden Report, Grushka-Cockayne framed Darden’s next chapter around a simple idea: What has long made the School distinctive is increasingly what the world needs.

Many new deans have to learn about their institution. You’re stepping into the role as someone shaped by Darden. How does that change the job?

I’m not coming from outside with an abstract idea of what Darden should be. I know what makes this place work and special.

I believe in the case method. I believe in student-centered learning. I believe in the intensity of the classroom and the accountability that comes with it. I believe in research that shapes companies and inspires practice. So, for me, this role is not about turning Darden into something else. That would make no sense.

I think this is the moment for Darden to go out into the world with more confidence. Students know what happens here. Alumni know it. Companies and organizations that work with us know it. But I think Darden has more to say at a time when many more people are looking for guidance.

That is the opportunity: How do more people benefit from what Darden does?

That requires confidence, but also discipline. We can be more visible, more connected and more useful in the world without changing who we are.”

To read more, click here.

DON’T MISS: MEET VIRGINIA DARDEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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Meet USC Marshall’s Interim Dean

Marshall School of Business: “Beginning August 1, Andy Call will serve as interim dean of the USC Marshall School of Business while continuing as dean of the USC Leventhal School of Accounting.

“It’s an honor to be named interim dean at Marshall,” Call said. “I intend to lead in a way that supports Marshall’s community as much as possible. We have world-class faculty, talented staff, wildly committed alumni, and some of the best students in the world. The people who are here are what make this place great.”

An accomplished scholar and educator, Call joined USC in 2024 to serve as Leventhal’s sixth dean where he has championed the school’s academic excellence, faculty research, and expanded collaboration across USC through initiatives such as financial wellness programming with USC Athletics.

As interim dean, Call will focus on key areas such as strengthening Marshall’s graduate programs, investing in academic excellence, and faculty research, while integrating artificial intelligence into the learning experience both effectively and responsibly.”

To read more, click here.

DON’T MISS: THE CRISIS GEOFFREY GARRETT LEAVES BEHIND AT USC MARSHALL

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ADDITIONAL SURVEYS

Meet Wharton’s New MBA Vice Dean, Michael Roberts

​1,600 Harvard Alumni Petition to Reverse Restrictions on Admissions Interview Reports

Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2026 New England Choice Awards

GAIN And Capstone Consultants Join Forces To Create Powerhouse Education Practice

What It Really Takes to Become a Fortune 500 CEO

HBS Alumnus Amit Dixit Establishes MBA Fellowship for Indian Women

 Leading through disruption at Kellogg’s 2026 India Business Conference

Kellogg Team Captures A Unanimous Victory At The 2026 Turner MIINT Competition

Nine Top MBA Scholarships For Minorities And Diversity Advocates In The United States

Penn State Smeal College Of Business Sets New Fundraising Record For Fiscal Year 2026

New KU School Of Business Microcredential Helps Professionals Build In-Demand Sales Skills

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