From the Dean's Desk

College of Business Dean Terence Lau

May 2022

Spring is always an exceptionally busy time on campus, and the weeks leading up to Commencement seem to move at the speed of light. But this year I have a greater appreciation for the intensity and energy coursing through our campus, and I am filled with gratitude that we are able to support and recognize our students in person again. Thanks to the University’s proactive measures, nearly 50 percent of Chico State’s 4,100-plus course sections this semester were offered either fully in person or included in-person components. During the year and a half of remote operations, the College of Business continued to pivot and adapt, and in many ways, we have even excelled.

Our online MBA (OMBA(opens in new window)) program that began in fall 2020 has enrolled more than 200 learners, and this month we will be graduating 57 OMBA students. We’re also launching our first online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (OBSBA(opens in new window)) program, with classes starting this fall. The OBSBA allows students to transfer in up to 70 units, and it can be completed in as few as 19 months. In March 2022 we opened our new FinTech Lab(opens in new window), an investment research workroom that gives students and faculty access to the Bloomberg Terminal and other cutting-edge software to make real-time trading observations, and we continue to recognize and support the needs of our students beyond the classroom with vital programs like our Professional Attire Fund(opens in new window).

When I reflect on our time during the COVID-19 pandemic, I commend our students, faculty, and staff for demonstrating such resilience and grit. We will continue to navigate these ever-changing times together, and remain committed to the health and well-being of our students, both in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for your support(opens in new window) as we strive to educate students on how to help businesses become part of the solution.

Sincerely,
Terence Lau
Dean, College of Business