A holiday message from the dean

Dean Vikas Mehrotra reflects on the past year and shares some exciting developments for the Alberta School of Business.

Dear alumni and friends,

I want to extend the warmest of wishes to you and your loved ones on behalf of the entire Alberta School of Business community this holiday season. It is with great pleasure and a sense of accomplishment that I reflect on the past year and share some exciting developments that highlight our collective journey.

This year has been one of transition — and opportunity — for our community. Throughout it all, our dedicated faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the Alberta School of Business remains a leading, research-intensive business school committed to delivering an unparalleled student experience.

After a very successful inaugural series, the Impact Series returned this fall! Sponsored by MNP, over 1000 students in the BUS 101/201 Foundations of Business course worked together to come up with recommendations for improving the local economy, creating positive impact in their community.

There are currently 413 students enrolled in the Co-operative Education Program. The Careers and Work Integrated Learning Office is targeting a 17 per cent program growth for 2024! 

This year, the MBA Program Office has hosted a wide variety of alumni and outreach events. From book clubs and alumni speaker series’ to Women of the MBA networking opportunities, it’s always exciting when we see firsthand how passion for the school extends far beyond graduation. Since April 2023, 61 MBA alumni have volunteered their time to engage with students and 107 unique MBA alumni have attended at least one event. Five MBA-specific alumni events have been held, with plans for three more in Winter Term.

We are so excited that the Carruthers Student Commons has been so well used and loved this semester! Designed as an innovative space to foster collaboration and creativity among our students, it’s exceeded our expectations. This hub has been a mentoring spot, study space and has played host to a multitude of events — from alumni mixers to student anti-burnout breakfasts — it makes me happy to see the space filled each day. 

In the realm of academic achievements, we have witnessed significant growth in our student population, particularly with the second year of direct entry into the undergraduate program. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for the high-quality education that the Alberta School of Business consistently delivers.

This year we have brought on board eight accomplished tenure track professors and have maintained our ranking as a top business school in the recently released Maclean’s 2024 Canadian University Rankings.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share that proposals are in place for the development of a new Masters of Management Analytics — a testament to our dedication to staying at the forefront of business education. This program, when realized, will equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of data analytics.

As we navigate this period of growth and change, we are leaning on the momentum we have built to develop a purpose-driven and passionate vision and mission for the Alberta School of Business. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and with your continued support, I am confident that we will achieve new heights in the coming years.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication to the Alberta School of Business. Your contributions, whether through mentorship, engagement, or advocacy, are instrumental in shaping the future of our institution. As we celebrate the holiday season and approach the new year, let us embrace the spirit of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation for the exciting journey ahead.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.