UB School of Management ranks better a year later

The seventh time is the charm for the UB School of Management as they rank ninth in the Wall Street Journals top regional schools in the country.

After placing on the list for seven consecutive years since 2000, the business school has now solidified a spot in the top ten positions. This year, the UB School of Management has beaten out such competitors as Georgetown and Syracuse University.

Chairman of the department of marketing at the School of Management, Arun K. Jain, feels that the school keeps standing out because employers are happy with UB students.

"Employers are satisfied with UB students because...they are better prepared to be in the workforce," said Jain. "They have the interpersonal skills and values when they start a position. We believe students are able to work and contribute to the economic growth."

According to Jain, several improvements have been made for the school to continue their success.

"The Alfiero Center has contributed to our success. Before students didn't have a meeting place...now students have the space, and these resources seem extremely valuable," he said. "We have more activities that require teamwork and more illustrations of concepts, so they are able to participate and exercise decision-making in the business."

Being able to learn at a highly recognized school pleases students and alumni alike.

"I feel honored and proud to be a part of the mobilization of the business school," said Sade Banks, an alumna of the School of Management. "The majority of the business students I know, and including myself, work quite rigorously to obtain the optimal output in our business courses."

Several students felt that their academic advisors were major contributors to the success of the school.

"The advisors are friendly and care about your academic progress; they are extremely helpful," said Rong Fang Ren, a business administration major. "The environment is friendly and open. You can join tons of groups. The opportunities are everywhere."

According to Jain, UB students have a lot to do with the school being acknowledged in the Wall Street Journal's list of top business schools.

"UB students are working hard, improving skills, absorbing heavy material, but they appreciate what we are asking them to do," he said. "(Commitment) is crucial in the job market; they are viewed better than the competition because of their values, leadership skills and their effectiveness."

According to Jain, from the reactions of the students to the staff, this is a time to celebrate.

"This is a moment of great satisfaction. We are very happy that we ranked ninth. It proves that we succeed. We are fulfilling the commitment to the state and taxpayers. More individuals are discovering us," he said.

Jain points out that it is a great accomplishment that a SUNY school has made it on the list.

"People don't talk about SUNY. We offer incredible value, subsidizing education and contributing to the economic growth. We prepare our students to be productive members of society," he said. "Everyone on campus should be proud of what the school has accomplished. We need full support."