Kelley School of Business

Kelley School of Business is the business school of Indiana University Bloomington, a public research university in Bloomington, Indiana. Founded in 1920, it offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in business and economics. The school is named for Herman B Wells, the longtime president of Indiana University, and benefactor E. W. Kelley.

History

The school traces its origins to the 1920 establishment of the Indiana University School of Commerce and Finance. Under the leadership of notable figures like Herman B Wells and William A. Rawles, the school grew steadily, moving into its first dedicated building, the Business and Economics Building, in 1940. A significant transformation occurred in 1960 when the school was renamed the Graduate School of Business, reflecting its expanding focus on advanced management education. The current name was adopted in 1997 following a substantial gift from alumnus and entrepreneur E. W. Kelley, the founder of Steak n Shake. Throughout its history, the school has been closely associated with the economic development initiatives of the state of Indiana and has expanded its global footprint through partnerships with institutions like Bocconi University in Milan.

Academics

The school administers a highly regarded undergraduate program through the Indiana University system, alongside a full-time Master of Business Administration program, an online MBA, and specialized master's degrees in fields such as finance, accounting, and information systems. Its doctoral programs feed graduates into faculty positions at leading research universities worldwide. A cornerstone of the undergraduate experience is the Kelley Honors Program and the required Integrated Core curriculum, which emphasizes team-based, experiential learning. The school is also home to several renowned research centers, including the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Center for International Business Education and Research, and the Hutton Honors College.

Campus and facilities

The school's primary facilities are located on the historic campus of Indiana University Bloomington, centered around Hodge Hall and the Graduate and Executive Education Center. A major expansion, the Paul O'Neill Graduate Center, named for the former United States Secretary of the Treasury and alumnus, opened recently to house MBA and graduate programs. The school also operates significant facilities in Indianapolis, collaborating closely with the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis campus and the local business community. These facilities include state-of-the-art behavioral labs, trading rooms, and dedicated spaces for the Kelley Direct Online Programs.

Rankings and reputation

Consistently ranked among the top public business schools in the United States, its undergraduate program is frequently placed in the top 10 by publishers like U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. The full-time MBA program is also highly ranked, with particular strength noted in specialties such as marketing, entrepreneurship, and information systems. The school's reputation is bolstered by strong career outcomes, with graduates heavily recruited by major firms like Deloitte, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble. Its faculty are regularly recognized for research contributions and teaching excellence through awards from organizations like the Academy of Management.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include former United States Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, former White House Chief of Staff John R. Kasich, and billionaire investor Mark Cuban. Other distinguished graduates are Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, and Evan Bayh, former Governor of Indiana and United States Senator. The faculty has included influential scholars such as Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences laureate Vernon L. Smith and renowned management theorist Philip Kotler. Former dean John D. Dingell also served as a long-time member of the United States House of Representatives.

Category:Business schools in Indiana Category:Indiana University Category:Educational institutions established in 1920