Max M. Fisher College of Business

Max M. Fisher College of Business is the business school of The Ohio State University, a major public research institution. Founded in 1916, it was named in 1993 in honor of the noted industrialist and philanthropist Max M. Fisher. The college is located in Columbus, Ohio, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

History

The origins of the college trace back to 1916 with the establishment of a commerce program within The Ohio State University. It evolved into the College of Commerce and Journalism before being formally organized as the College of Commerce and Administration in 1952. A pivotal moment occurred in 1993 following a landmark $20 million gift from Max M. Fisher, a prominent Cleveland-based industrialist and philanthropist, leading to its renaming. This transformative donation, one of the largest of its time to a public business school, catalyzed significant growth in faculty, programs, and facilities. Subsequent major gifts, including from notable donors like John W. Berry, Sr., have continued to support its expansion and modernization, cementing its role within the broader Big Ten Conference academic community.

Academics and programs

The college offers a comprehensive portfolio of degree programs, including a highly ranked Master of Business Administration, specialized master's degrees in fields like finance and business analytics, and a prestigious Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Its PhD program prepares scholars for careers at leading research universities. Distinctive offerings include the Specialized Master in Finance and the Master of Business Logistics Engineering. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through centers like the Center for Operational Excellence and the Risk Institute. Students also engage in global immersion experiences and consulting projects with major corporations such as JPMorgan Chase and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Campus and facilities

The college's primary home is the state-of-the-art Gerlach Hall, a central hub for graduate programs named for donors John J. Gerlach and Mary K. Gerlach. Undergraduate programs are primarily housed in Mason Hall, while the iconic Ohio Union serves as a student activity center for the wider university. The facility complex includes the Fisher Hall classroom building and the dedicated Business Building. These modern structures feature advanced trading laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and research centers that support its academic mission. Its location within the larger Ohio State University campus provides students access to extensive resources, including the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library and the athletic facilities of Ohio Stadium.

Rankings and reputation

The college consistently ranks among the top public business schools in the United States. Its Full-Time MBA program is frequently placed in the top 20 for public institutions by publishers like U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. The undergraduate business program is also highly regarded, often ranked within the top 15 nationally. Specialized programs in supply chain management and finance receive particular recognition for excellence. The college's strong reputation is bolstered by its high placement rates for graduates at leading firms including Procter & Gamble, Deloitte, and Amazon, and its active, influential network of alumni.

Notable alumni and faculty

The college's alumni network includes numerous leaders in business, finance, and philanthropy. Prominent graduates include former Limited Brands CEO Leslie H. Wexner, former Wendy's chairman James W. Near, and Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Fran Horowitz. Distinguished faculty have included influential scholars in fields such as accounting and marketing, contributing significantly to academic research and corporate practice. The legacy of its namesake, Max M. Fisher, a major figure in the American oil industry and civic life, continues to be a touchstone for the institution. The college also benefits from the counsel of senior executives from corporations like Cardinal Health and Huntington Bancshares who serve on its advisory boards.

Category:The Ohio State University Category:Business schools in Ohio Category:Educational institutions established in 1916 Category:1916 establishments in Ohio