The University of La Verne’s College of Business stands as a cornerstone in the academic landscape of this esteemed institution. Founded in 1891 as Lordsburg College by the Church of the Brethren, the university has evolved into a dynamic hub of education, with the College of Business playing a vital role. Situated in La Verne, California, just 35 miles east of Los Angeles, the College of Business reflects the university’s commitment to ethical reasoning, diversity, inclusivity, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
With a rich history dating back to its origins as a teaching college, the University of La Verne has continuously adapted to meet the evolving educational needs of a diverse student body. The College of Business, nestled within this vibrant academic community, embraces small class sizes, encouraging personal engagement between professors and students. As part of a comprehensive educational institution, the College of Business contributes to the university’s mission of providing a quality, values-based education that prepares individuals for successful careers and a dedication to lifelong learning.
Innovative Business Administration Curriculum
The university provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, offering students a thorough education in business. Students at the undergraduate level can pursue bachelor’s degrees in accounting, business administration, economics, and organizational management. The business administration program has unique concentrations in business finance, management, human resources management, information technology, international business, and marketing.
A notable aspect of the business administration degree is its integrated curriculum. In this hands-on program, students combine finance, management, and marketing in a single semester course block. This immersive experience involves forming a company, developing a business plan, securing a bank loan, and presenting earnings to a nonprofit charity at the end of the semester.
For those looking to continue their education, the university offers 4+1 programs that smoothly transition from bachelor’s to master’s degrees in accounting, data analytics, or leadership and management. This initiative simplifies the academic journey and enhances accessibility to graduate education by offering early acceptance.
At the graduate level, the university offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and specialized graduate degrees in finance, accounting, data analytics, and leadership and management. Accomplished executives and practitioners can also pursue the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a program designed for those seeking the highest levels of thought leadership. This program opens doors to opportunities in areas such as book authorship, management, and consulting. With a forward-looking approach, the university is introducing a new concentration in artificial intelligence for business leaders, demonstrating its commitment to staying at the forefront of business education.
Accessible Admissions and Holistic Evaluation
The University of La Verne takes pride in ensuring that private education is accessible, boasting an inclusive acceptance rate of 75 percent, aligning with many public universities. Admissions at the university are holistic and personalized, taking into account various factors such as high school or college transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, involvement in school and community activities, leadership qualities, special talents, and character. This comprehensive approach ensures a diverse and well-rounded student body. At the graduate level, program directors from the business faculty make admission decisions, emphasizing a selective process to curate each incoming class.
The university is committed to supporting its students and recognizing the financial considerations of education. More than 90 percent of students receive financial assistance, which includes grants, scholarships, and/or loans. This commitment underscores the university’s dedication to providing a range of financial aid options, making quality education achievable for a broad spectrum of students. Whether through merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, or other financial aid avenues, the university strives to alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education, fostering an environment where academic aspirations can flourish.
Personalized Learning Environment and Continuous Support
The university maintains a personal and supportive learning environment with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1. This low ratio shows a dedication to personalized education, allowing students in the College of Business to benefit from individualized attention and a close-knit academic community.
Business students, in particular, receive dedicated support through the Thakur Advising Center and the O’Brien Career Center. These centers provide one-on-one personalized academic and career advising, ensuring that students get tailored guidance to navigate their academic journey and prepare for their professional futures. Importantly, this commitment goes beyond graduation, as the university distinguishes itself by offering ongoing support and advising services for business graduates throughout their lives. This holistic approach to education highlights the university’s commitment to building lasting connections and supporting the long-term success of its students.
Enriching Campus Life at the University
The University of La Verne fosters a vibrant campus life, encouraging students to actively participate in tailored extracurricular activities aligned with their ambitions and interests. Student leadership initiatives offer opportunities to develop essential skills and assume active roles within the university community, preparing them for future endeavors.
A diverse range of student clubs and Greek Life organizations provides platforms for social engagement and the exploration of shared interests. These avenues not only enrich the social fabric of the campus but also allow students to build lasting connections with peers who share similar passions.
In athletics, the university supports various sports programs, enabling students to participate in physical activities while fostering teamwork, discipline, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to academic pursuits, the university prioritizes student well-being through support services, including well-being programs and tutoring. This holistic approach ensures that students receive comprehensive support for both their academic and personal growth.
For those passionate about the arts, the university provides opportunities in performing arts, creating spaces for students to express themselves creatively through music, drama, and other artistic endeavors.
Highlighting civic and community engagement, the university encourages students to actively participate in service projects, instilling a sense of responsibility and contributing to the broader community.
As students partake in campus traditions and special events, a strong sense of community is cultivated, fostering shared experiences and a deep connection to the university.
To complement the overall college experience, the university also offers on-campus housing options, providing students with a supportive and communal living environment. This holistic approach to education, combining academic rigor with a rich tapestry of extracurricular activities, reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, engaged, and fulfilled individuals.
Nurturing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Academic Excellence
The University of La Verne is proud to be recognized as one of the most diverse private institutions, with over 70 percent of students identifying as students of color. As a federally designated Minority- and Hispanic-Serving Institution, the university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. This rich tapestry includes students from various backgrounds, some with military connections, and more than half are the first in their families to pursue higher education or continue with graduate studies.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential aspects embedded in campus life. The university offers comprehensive support through various avenues, such as the Center for Multicultural Services, the Center for Veteran Student Success, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Office of International Services and Engagement. Holistic and inclusive practices for student success are further emphasized through Title III HIS STEM and Peer Mentoring Programs, Black and Latinx Living and Learning Communities, and Cultural Graduation Celebrations.
The international student community at the university is a vibrant and growing cohort, with over 300 students from 42 countries. The university’s appeal to global students is attributed to factors like proximity to the cultural hub of Los Angeles, the region’s diversity, beautiful weather, and the safety and recreational opportunities offered by the small community. The Office of International Services and Engagement plays a pivotal role in advising and supporting international students and scholars, offering assistance with visa status, orientations, workshops, and more.
Moreover, the university provides valuable benefits to international students pursuing business degrees. All business degree programs, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), are approved for the F-1 visa, allowing international students to study at the University of La Verne. Graduates of the Master of Data Analytics program, with a STEM-certified degree, qualify for up to three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, enhancing their post-graduation career prospects. This inclusive approach and commitment to diversity underscore the University of La Verne’s dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all walks of life.
Commitment to Practical Education and Industry Relevance
The University of La Verne is committed to providing college graduates with the essential skills for success in today’s rapidly changing global business environment. Going beyond traditional classroom education, the institution stands out by offering hands-on, practical learning opportunities. This ensures students understand theoretical concepts and develop the practical, real-world skills modern industries demand.
The university’s recognition by top employers highlights the value of its educational and career readiness offerings. Employers actively seek and hire graduates, confirming the practical relevance and quality of the skills instilled in students during their academic journey.
One distinctive feature of the university is its commitment to maintaining small class sizes. This intentional choice creates an environment where students and faculty can establish meaningful connections, fostering greater collaboration on projects and encouraging mentoring relationships with professors, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience.
The curriculum aims to cultivate a diverse skill set in students, including analytical thinking, critical reasoning, complex problem-solving, ethical decision-making, effective communication, collaboration, a global perspective, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
With a rich 50-year history, the College of Business at the University of La Verne has consistently produced business leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. The skills developed in its graduates not only make them highly sought after by top employers but also prove beneficial at every stage of their professional journeys.
Transformative Leadership and Vision for Academic Excellence
Emmeline de Pillis, the Dean of the College of Business at the University of La Verne, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background to her role. Joining the university in July 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, she has a robust professional history, including project management at Hewlett-Packard, management training at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and healthcare research for the Behavioral Sciences Group at the RAND Corporation.
Dr. de Pillis holds a Ph.D. from the University Of Southern California Marshall School Of Business, showcasing her commitment to scholarly achievement. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of California, San Diego.
As Dean, Dr. Emmeline de Pillis emphasizes the unique qualities that set the University of La Verne apart. She describes the institution as remarkable for its combination of academic excellence, inclusivity, and social mobility. Her vision underscores the transformative power of La Verne education, focusing on personalized instruction, targeted advising, comprehensive career services, and a robust alumni network of over 89,000 individuals worldwide.
Dr. de Pillis’s message to students and their parents revolves around the profound impact of a La Verne education. She expresses inspiration in witnessing how the university’s approach can positively transform lives. With a focus on personalized guidance, career support, and a strong alumni network, Dr. de Pillis encourages students to believe in their potential to achieve more than they ever thought possible. This message resonates not only with the academic aspect of education but also with the broader goal of fostering personal and professional growth within the University of La Verne community.
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