GREENEVILLE – As the College of Business at Tusculum University continues to grow, its leaders are developing new and innovative partnerships to meet the needs of students and employees of major East Tennessee companies.
Dr. Jacob Fait
A recently signed agreement with Pennsylvania College of Technology will enable that institution’s graduates to receive a 10 percent tuition reduction for a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Arts in talent development at Tusculum. Graduates will also automatically receive provisional acceptance into the Tusculum MBA program if they submit all application materials.
This is the College of Business’ first agreement of this type with an academic institution. Dr. Jacob Fait, the college’s dean, said Tusculum is seeking additional educational partnership opportunities.
Earlier this year, Tusculum created corporate partnerships with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Pilot Flying J. The College of Business recently expanded on that roster by establishing a partnership with A.O. Smith Corp. The arrangement with these companies includes a 10 percent tuition reduction for employees, access to student recruitment and the possibility of collaboration in Pioneer MBA Comprehensive Business Projects.
“We have developed protocols that align with best practices across the country, and this has resulted in our students being exceptionally prepared to enter their field of choice,” Dr. Fait said. “We’re thrilled to partner with higher education institutions and businesses to provide students and employees with an affordable pathway to an MBA or master’s in talent development.”
The College of Business earned accreditation in the fall from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools. Penn College’s School of Business and Hospitality holds the same designation for its business bachelor’s degree programs, but it does not have master’s degrees.
Tusculum offers 12-month and 20-month MBA programs, and the number of students enrolled has doubled since fall 2017. Since the agreements were signed, some people have been accepted into the program and others are in the application process, Dr. Fait said.
Dr. Lisa Andrus, dean of the School of Business and Hospitality at Penn College, said partnering with Tusculum makes sense because of the relatively low cost of the university’s MBA and the tuition break.
In addition, Dr. Andrus said the School of Business and Hospitality students have expressed interest in enhancing their career opportunities by pursuing an MBA. Tusculum’s MBA program is convenient because it is offered online and students from Penn College are accustomed to taking online bachelor’s-level classes.
“We are extremely comfortable promoting the Tusculum program because of the policies, procedures and programs the university has in place through its accreditation,” Dr. Andrus said. “We want our students to continue their education, and we trust Tusculum to provide them with a quality MBA experience. Our agreement is excellent for all parties.”
Sue Wilburn, vice president of human resources for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, said the Tusculum agreement was an attractive employee benefit. She also knows Tusculum’s quality because two of her direct reports hold degrees from Tusculum, one of which is an MBA.
“Today’s workers want assistance with professional development, and Tusculum’s tuition reduction is helpful for those who have loans to repay,” Wilburn said. “I have known Dr. Fait for a long time, admire his high expectations and respect him greatly. I am impressed with Tusculum’s program and the standards they have worked hard to establish.”
For more information, please visit www.tusculum.edu.