Grossman School of Business

Grossman School of Business is the business school of the University of Vermont, located in Burlington, Vermont. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs focused on sustainable business practices. The school is accredited by the AACSB and emphasizes experiential learning within a liberal arts foundation.

History

The school traces its origins to the Department of Commerce and Economics established within the University of Vermont in the early 20th century. It was formally organized as the School of Business Administration in 1970, following a period of significant growth in business education nationwide. A major transformational gift from alumnus Steven Grossman in 2009 led to its renaming and enhanced its endowment for program development. Throughout its history, the school has expanded its curriculum to integrate themes of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, reflecting the values of its Vermont setting. Key milestones include the launch of its Master of Business Administration program and the establishment of several endowed chairs and research centers.

Academics

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations including Finance, Marketing, and Sustainable Business. Its graduate portfolio features a full-time and part-time Master of Business Administration, a Master of Accountancy, and a Master of Science in Sustainable Innovation. All programs are accredited by the AACSB. The curriculum is distinguished by a strong focus on sustainable business and hands-on learning through the Sustainable Innovation MBA and the Business of Practice initiative. Faculty research is supported by centers like the John M. Reiss Center for Business Analytics and the Rubenstein-affiliated Sustainable Entrepreneurship MBA program. The school maintains academic partnerships with institutions such as the Champlain College and the University of New Hampshire.

Campus and facilities

The school is primarily housed in Kalkin Hall, a modern facility on the University of Vermont's main campus in Burlington, Vermont. Kalkin Hall features the George D. Aiken Center for collaborative learning, specialized trading and analytics labs, and the Lund Family Center for sustainable business. These spaces support the school's experiential learning mandate through simulation environments and team-based project rooms. The building is located near other key university resources, including the Bailey/Howe Library and the Dudley H. Davis Center. Its design and technology infrastructure are intended to foster interaction between students, faculty, and the regional business community in Chittenden County.

Student life and organizations

Student life is active with numerous professional and social organizations, including chapters of Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society, and Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity. Other key groups are the Sustainable Business Club, the Finance and Investment Club, and the American Marketing Association collegiate chapter. Students regularly participate in case competitions like the Net Impact Challenge and the Deloitte Consulting Case Competition. The school's location in Burlington, Vermont provides opportunities for internships and projects with local organizations such as Ben & Jerry's, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Seventh Generation. Social and networking events are often held in collaboration with the University of Vermont Alumni Association.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include philanthropist and former Middlesex Corporation CEO Steven Grossman, former Green Mountain Power CEO Mary Powell, and Burton Snowboards founder Jake Burton Carpenter. The faculty includes scholars such as former dean Sanjay Sharma, an expert in corporate sustainability, and Patti McGill Peterson, who has held leadership roles at the American Council on Education. Other distinguished former faculty members have included experts in entrepreneurship and environmental economics. The school's advisory board features leaders from companies like Dealer.com and National Life Group.

Category:University of Vermont Category:Business schools in Vermont Category:Educational institutions established in 1970 Category:Buildings and structures in Burlington, Vermont