The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management has joined a nonprofit organization that focuses on increasing applications from underrepresented ethnic minority students pursuing masters' degrees in business administration.
Management Leadership for Tomorrow is a New York-based organization that provides one-on-one interview coaching, admission test preparation classes, financial planning and school information for students. Participating universities pay to belong to the program and advertise themselves to the 160 selected students.
"This is essentially a consortium of the top MBA programs across the country," said John Delaney, associate dean for MBA programs. He added that 17 institutions, including Yale University, are involved.
Delaney said faculty members are hoping to use this program to expand MSU's small graduate business school. The program only affects full-time students. There are 201 full-time MBA students at MSU.
Underrepresented ethnic minority students in business schools are African Americans, Chicanos, Latinos and American Indians, said MBA Admissions Director Esmeralda Cardenal. She added that 16 to 20 percent of the MBA program already is made of ethnic minority students.
Though Cardenal said she hopes the program creates more diversity at MSU, she said it does not encourage a specific percentage increase in ethnic minority students.
"It's a great opportunity for us to market ourself to an audience that we need to serve better," Delaney said. "We were very fortunate that (the organization) was looking for additional schools, and we offered a specific expertise - supply chain management."
As a new member, MSU has a two-year commitment to the program, Cardenal said. School representatives will participate in organization events around the country and can choose whether to renew involvement at the end.
Business administration graduate student Jennifer Meder said she received information about MSU joining the program in her mailbox.
Meder said that she thinks the MBA program at MSU is diverse, but said "it can always be better tomorrow."
Talking with current students also would be helpful for applicants, Meder said.
"I think people don't understand what an MBA can provide for them," she said. "They're afraid to take on the MBA program or aren't aware of it as an option for them."
