The first cohort of graduates have received their degrees from the Executive MBA for Artists and Athletes program at the University of Miami in Florida. Some 30 current or former players in the National Football League, most of them African Americans, were among the program’s first graduating class. The wives of two players joined their husbands in the program.
“Like their work on the field, this MBA program is intense, demanding a significant investment of time and energy on the part of each participant,” said Anuj Mehrotra, interim dean of the University of Miami School of Business Administration. “We couldn’t be more proud of the members of this first class and the hard work they put in to it.”
This doesnt seem like a strong move in the prestige sense for the b-school. Athletes at most major universities perform minimal work for their educational goals, no doubt their “Executive MBA” degree wasnt equivalent to what most students need to endure.
Hopefully their reported NFL salaries will help boost UMiami’s MBA program statistics in the national & regional rankings. The MBA program has sadly been flat if not declining over the last 5-10 years…..Anuj Mehrotra is like the 5th dean in 8 years or something there.
Congratulations on your accomplishments in receiving your MBA. Your commitment of your time and talent in receiving your degree is a great example to young adults as well as other professionals who are considering obtaining their Masters degree. Congratulations again and continued success on and off the field. Blessings
Vincento makes a powerful point. But, perhaps having equipped themselves with some of the tools and techniques imparted in most MBA programs, these athlete-execs will go forth and acquire some of the franchises that are now their employers. Otherwise, what’s the point in having earned an “executive” degree in business and management? It’s certainly not needed to play the sport.
I question the merit and rigor of this MBA program, as mentioned by Vincento and El. I also question how they plan on using the degree. Will they use the degree to form businesses for African Americans? or will they use the degree as a footnote or status symbol? This program also seems questionable in that it can be completed in only 18 months. Before we congratulate a person’s achievements; we must first understand the factors in determination of quality and efficient education.
I suspect if they were all white football players the merit of the program would not be in question. I suspect the response would have been more congratulatory with praise of their intelligence and forward thinking…..Just saying in addition most of these players still be retired from the NFL before the age of 30. Not having a job for the rest of their lives isn’t an option.
Let me say this…The executive MBA program was established for those who strive to continue their education while maintaining full-time job requirements. The program is very intense as students meet over a weekend once a month for 18 months. While it does not carry the same rigors of the full-time programs, the condensed version offers the same quality and efficiency. Let’s not take away from the accomplishment of the ladies and gentlemen, most of which have already accumulated substantial wealth, with comments regarding the validity of the degree. It takes a considerable amount of work and effort to complete any MBA program, whether traditional or “Executive,” these people deserve our praise for their continuous efforts in higher education and in setting an example for current, past and future athletes.
Well said Timothy!