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The Jacksonville University (JU) Davis College of Business is now recognized among the best international schools for its Master in Business Administration (MBA) Program. Already the premier business school in North Florida and South Georgia, the recent CEO Magazine rankings demonstrate JU’s global pivot and ability to rise above the rest.
Most notably, the magazine recognized JU’s Executive MBA as the best in Florida and 25th in the world. As the only AACSB-accredited private business school within hundreds of miles, JU’s Davis College of Business now dominates the top tier of schools in 25 countries.
What the Numbers Mean
With the quality of the faculty heavily weighted at nearly 35 percent of the ranking, the JU Davis College of Business earned a Tier One spot in CEO Magazine’s list of MBA programs, which includes 134 elite schools. This recognition reflects the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience faculty members leverage every day in developing the next generation of business leaders and innovators. Class size, international diversity, and accreditation also factored significantly into this recognition.
Harvard alumnus Abdel Missa, Resource Professor Finance at JU and lead faculty member for the University’s championship CFA Institute Research Challenge team, said, “We provide our students the opportunity to be productive on the job from day one. It’s a unique educational experience that combines theory and practice. As a practitioner, I run the class the same way I run my business.” Missa is the founder and CEO of Market Cipher Partners, LLC, was formally a part of the leadership team at Deutsche Bank, and previously held strategic roles in Silicon Valley—all a part of his diverse background in business.
“We have strong partnerships and deep roots in the business community, and collectively, our faculty members have an unmatched level of real-world experience in a diverse set of industries,” said JU Davis College of Business Dean, Dr. Don Capener. “That is an impactful differentiator that directly contributes to the success of our students.”
With dozens of partnerships in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, the Davis College of Business has kept a finger on the pulse of the business community, assessing workforce needs and emerging trends across industries, and responding with customized curriculum and programming to prepare graduates accordingly.
The College’s Executive Advisory Board connects the school to industry leaders, including Merrill Lynch, Black Knight Financial Services, CSX Transportation, and more.
“Through this collaborative philosophy, we’re creating a virtuous cycle that helps develop job-ready graduates while also creating opportunities for experienced adult professionals to further strengthen their education,” Capener said.
Reaching Higher, Digging Deeper
True to their branding, the JU Davis College of Business means business. The school reaches higher and digs deeper simultaneously offering a wide range of undergraduate business majors, engaging graduate learners, and forging strong industry partnerships.
Undergraduates from across the country and around the globe come to JU for Accounting, Business Analytics, Sports Business, and more. The Davis College of Business also offers full-time and part-time Master of Business Administration programs, Online MBA, Executive MBA, and Doctor of Business Administration programs.
Beyond the traditional MBA, the University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) was also recognized by CEO Magazine as one of the best in the world, earning a spot on its exclusive list of 36 best international DBA programs, alongside Harvard Business School and the UK’s Durham University Business School.
JU is also uniquely positioned in Jacksonville, home to the most dynamic and economically diverse industries in the southeastern U.S., including international ports, logistics, and transportation companies, global financial services companies, consumer goods and services organizations, information technology, and world-class healthcare organizations. The Davis College of Business proudly trains top C-level executives in a number of sectors and develops high-quality, job-ready graduates who launch successful careers right back into that diverse market landscape and beyond.
CEO Magazine’s showcasing of top business schools from around the globe first launched in 2008. The publication launched its annual Global MBA Rankings in 2012, profiling MBA, Executive MBA, and Online MBA programs. This year, the magazine ranked 144 business school with nearly 300 programs in 25 countries.