Weatherhead School of Management

Weatherhead School of Management. It is the business school of Case Western Reserve University, located in University Circle in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1930, the school offers a comprehensive range of programs including undergraduate, MBA, Executive MBA, specialized master's, and PhD degrees. It is recognized for its distinctive approach to management education, emphasizing sustainable value, organizational behavior, and design innovation.

History

The school traces its origins to the establishment of the School of Business at Western Reserve University in 1930. A pivotal transformation occurred in 1980 following a landmark gift from industrialist and philanthropist Albert J. Weatherhead and his family, which led to the renaming in his honor. This period coincided with significant intellectual contributions from faculty like Richard E. Boyatzis, whose work on emotional intelligence and competency modeling gained international acclaim. The 1990s saw further evolution under the deanship of Scott S. Cowen, who later led Tulane University. In 2006, the school consolidated its graduate programs within the Peter B. Lewis Building, a landmark structure designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, symbolizing its commitment to innovation and design.

Academics

The school provides a portfolio of degree programs anchored in its core philosophy of "managing as designing." Its flagship Full-time MBA program is frequently ranked among the top in the nation by publications like *Bloomberg Businessweek* and *U.S. News & World Report*. Distinctive offerings include the Master of Science in Management with specializations in fields like Operations Research and Positive Organization Development, a program co-founded by faculty member David L. Cooperrider, creator of Appreciative Inquiry. The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Management integrates with the broader curriculum of Case Western Reserve University, while executive education is delivered through the Executive MBA and custom programs for global corporations. The doctoral program prepares scholars for careers at leading research institutions such as the University of Michigan and Harvard Business School.

Research centers and institutes

The school houses several interdisciplinary research entities that bridge theory and practice. The Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit champions the concept of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, building on the work of David L. Cooperrider. The Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit supports this mission. The Design and Innovation Center focuses on the application of design principles to complex organizational challenges. The Financial Engineering Program, in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics at Case Western Reserve University, addresses quantitative finance. Other notable units include the Sears Think[Box] university-wide innovation center and the Great Lakes Energy Institute, which partners with organizations like NASA Glenn Research Center and Cleveland Clinic.

Campus and facilities

The school is primarily housed in the iconic Peter B. Lewis Building, a sculptural masterpiece by Frank Gehry made of stainless steel and brick, which opened in 2002. This facility, made possible by a generous gift from Peter B. Lewis of the Progressive Corporation, features collaborative learning spaces, research labs, and the Dively Executive Education Center. The campus is situated within the cultural and educational hub of University Circle, adjacent to world-class institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. This location fosters strong partnerships with neighboring medical and technological powerhouses, including the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.

Notable people

The school's community includes distinguished alumni, faculty, and associates. Former dean Scott S. Cowen later served as president of Tulane University, guiding its recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Notable faculty have included organizational theorist Richard E. Boyatzis, co-developer of emotional intelligence theory, and David L. Cooperrider, founder of Appreciative Inquiry. Influential alumni span various sectors, such as former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert A. McDonald, who later served as United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Barbara R. Snyder, former president of Case Western Reserve University. Other prominent graduates include Sandy Cutler, former CEO of Eaton Corporation, and William E. Conway, Jr., co-founder of the private equity firm The Carlyle Group.

Category:Case Western Reserve University Category:Business schools in Ohio Category:Educational institutions established in 1930 Category:University Circle, Cleveland