Dr. Aguirre wins Fulbright Award!



Dr. Sophia Aguirre

 Great news!  Our very own Dr. Sophia Aguirre has been selected to receive a Fulbright grant to investigate integral economic development in Guatemala. She will do so this Fall semester during her previously approved sabbatical. As a Fulbright grantee, she joins the ranks of distinguished previous Fulbright participants who have helped increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of the more than 150 countries. There is significant competition for a Fulbright award, so winning one is a very high honor.

We'll all miss Sophia while she is away but will soldier on.  Beatriz Lopez will continue the fine work they began with the Masters of Arts in Integral Economic Development Management, getting ready to start their second class.

Congratulations Sophia!  We're proud of you.

Professor Stewart McHie
Program Director, MSBA
mchie@cua.edu 

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The Value of a Business Major

Our faculty was interested in this Wall Street Journal article about the value of a business major.  I particularly liked Dr. Brian Engelland's thoughts about what constitutes a good liberal arts and business education from the Catholic University perspective.  Here is what he wrote:



Dr. Brian Engelland

 Regarding the question of what constitutes a fully integrated liberal arts plus business degree, I’d suggest we start with the approved university statement about the role of liberal studies at CUA (approved by the trustees in 2009).  Specifically,

“The university seeks the advancement of knowledge within a context of liberal studies, a context which reflects both its concern for the whole person and the distinctive wisdom to which it is heir as a Catholic institution.  This dimension of learning is reflected particularly in its undergraduate programs where theology and philosophy are regarded as integral to curricula that include requirements in the arts and humanities, language and literature, and the natural and social sciences.” 

“Among the many benefits the general educational requirements are intended to assure are certain specific goals.  Graduates should be able to (1) reflect critically on the interrelationships between faith and reason; (2) demonstrate knowledge of the Western philosophical and theological traditions; (3) demonstrate knowledge of and respect for different cultures and religions; (4) demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication, including argumentative essays, research papers, presentations, and creative and collaborative work employing a variety of media; (5) show facility in critical thinking and reasoned analysis; (6) demonstrate an understanding of scientific and quantitative reasoning; and (7) demonstrate an ability to find information effectively using appropriate resources and technologies, critically assess the validity and relevance of that information, and utilize it in ethical and legal ways.” 

Proficiency in these areas comprise what we mean by an “educated person.”  To that, we would add a list of learning objectives for each business or economics degree we offer. Then we can develop curricula that specifies which and how many courses are needed to achieve an integration of each of the learning goals.


Professor Stewart McHie
Program Director, MSBA
mchie@cua.edu

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Students complete Performance Management Practices Engagement

A student team from the MS in Business Analysis program at Catholic University recently completed an engagement with Smart Insights Group, LLC with the assistance of Terry Carnahan at KPMG.  John Chisholm, founder and CEO of Smart Insights and Nabavi Oliver of Smart Insights mentored the students through this Analysis of Performance Management Practices.  Chisolm, formerly Deputy Director of the District of Columbia Human Resources Department, has worked with the MSBA program since its inception providing internship and capstone project opportunities.  The specific knowledge gained and the experience of planning, conducting and presenting a project of this magnitude was an invaluable learning experience for the students.


Professor Stewart McHie
Program Director, MSBA
mchie@cua.edu

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MSBA Program Team analyzes Catholic School expansion

A team of students from the Master of Science in Business Analysis program at Catholic University, working with St Michael's school and the Arlington Diocese school office of schools completed a successful economic analysis of the addition of a pre school program.  Students analyzed start-up and operating expenses, projected enrollment based on demographics, and studied the permitting and licensing issues necessary to begin the start-up.  The project was approved by the Parish Priest in late March.

Professor Stewart McHie
Program Director, MSBA
mchie@cua.edu

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Business Plan delivered to Havard Leadership Institute

Alexandre Havard

A student team from the MSBA program at Catholic University delivered a business plan to the Board of the Havard Leadership Institute on Wednesday.  Alexandre Havard, author and founder of the Havard Virtuous Leadership Institute, is bringing his Virtuous Leadership model to the US education, business and military communities.  Havard, author of Virtuous Leadership and  The Power of Magnanimity, is expanding his successful European business to US markets.  Magnanimity, or as Aristotle calls it, "greatness of soul", is an "adornment of the moral virtues; for it makes them greater, and it does not arise without them." Mr. Havard has lectured in the MSBA program on 3 occasions and engaged the student team to develop a plan to expand his presence and that of HVLI in US markets.  

Professor Stewart McHie
Program Director, MSBA
mchie@cua.edu

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MSBA program grads deliver website

Congrats to MSBA Program grads Lewis Carney and Lauren Keates who completed a contract under their consulting firm Keel for Dommes Consulting.  These two students formed Keel after working together as interns while earning their MSBA degree.  They acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful starting their own company.  To apply, visit MSBA Admissions.

Professor Stewart McHie
Program Director, MSBA
mchie@cua.edu

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