Willamette University MBA

06/06/2025

Manage AI, before it manages you. 📊🤖

At Willamette’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Associate Professor Robert Walker teaches students to approach AI with a critical, data-informed mindset.

“Asking AI for information always comes with uncertainty,” he says. That’s why future managers must balance innovation with human accountability, especially when making decisions that impact people and organizations.

Smart tech needs even smarter leadership.

https://news.willamette.edu/library/2025/04/ai-courses.html

05/30/2025

On May 18, more than 3,500 family members, friends, mentors, and supporters joined Willamette’s Class of 2025 to celebrate the graduates’ achievements during commencement ceremonies held in Salem and Portland.

Over 400 graduates from Willamette College, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, School of Law, and the Pacific Northwest College of Art received their degrees and joined the nearly 40,000 members of the Willamette alumni community.

While the ceremonies celebrated the achievements of the doers, thinkers, and makers who earned their degrees, the graduates were also challenged to lead the future in a way that represents the values of their Willamette education.

At Willamette's annual spring commencement ceremonies, newly-minted graduates received their charge: to build a more just, sustainable, and humane world.

05/28/2025

💫 Join us tomorrow Evening for Willamette's MBA for Professionals Open House event!

Thinking about getting your MBA while working full-time?
Come hang out with us at our MBA for Professionals Open House and see what Willamette’s part-time MBA program is all about.

📅 Thursday, May 29
🕔 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Willamette Graduate & Professional Center
721 NW 9th Ave., Ste. 210

We’ll have HOTLIPS Pizza, Raising Cane’s chicken bites, drinks, and a relaxed space to connect with current students, MBA alumni, and our exceptional faculty.

You’ll get the inside scoop on how our AACSB-accredited MBA program can help you level up your career, plus, if you’re curious, stick around afterward to sit in on a class and experience what an evening as a Willamette MBA student is really like.

RSVP now and take the first step toward your next big move. We’d love to see you there!

https://lnkd.in/gkQN_3wS
Activate to view larger image,
No alternative text description for this image

05/21/2025

Since arriving at Atkinson, Birkhead has already proved to be a well-respected and admired faculty member by students and colleagues alike.

Since arriving at Atkinson, Birkhead has already proved to be a well-respected and admired faculty member by students and colleagues alike. Learn more.

05/21/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Jasmine Ames on your outstanding accomplishment! Your dedication, tenacity and love of learning is an inspiration and we're honored to have been part of that journey!

After earning my Doctorate in Law and Public Policy this past August from Northeastern University, I finally get to walk across the stage and celebrate this milestone in person—alongside classmates, mentors, and a journey that has shaped me in profound ways. This moment is a celebration of my time...

05/19/2025

Yesterday, we proudly celebrated the graduates of the Early Career/Career Change MBA Program at Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management! 🎓

Student speaker Jacob Jesse, President of the Atkinson Student Association 2024–25, inspired us with his words, and we were honored to welcome Commencement speaker Mike Martinez MBA’11, member of the Willamette University Board of Trustees.

A special congratulations to Professor Debra J. Ringold, who was named Dean Emeritus in recognition of her 30 years of extraordinary service and leadership.

Congratulations to all our new MBA graduates - your hard work, determination, and leadership have brought you here. The future is yours! 🎉👏

05/16/2025

At Willamette, Amanda Buschke BA’23, MBA’25 discovered a passion for marketing through leadership opportunities and mentorship. Thanks to the Willamette MBA, this first generation student is ready to take on a new job in her dream field.

Amanda is one of Willamette University’s 2025 featured graduates. From student-athletes and scientists to aspiring artists and attorneys, these students represent just a few of the incredible members of our Willamette community.

Read Amanda’s story: https://willamette.edu/stories/amanda-buschke

Read more inspiring stories about our graduating students: https://willamette.edu/life-on-campus/commencement/grad-profiles

05/16/2025

What a night! 💥 OEN and Portland Start Up Week brought the energy, and we were proud to be in the mix.

Willamette University MBA was honored to sponsor and support Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s PDX Startup Week PubTalk at Kiln—what an incredible gathering of founders, dreamers, and doers.
A special highlight? Connecting with Shanbo Zhang, MBA, Willamette University MBA grad and Investor/Partner of Oregon Venture Fund. Alumni like Shanbo are exactly why we’re ranked #13 in the nation for entrepreneurship—they’re out there making real impact and helping others along the way! 🚀

Big thanks to , Portland Seed Fund, Ned Hayes of Darwoft, Joseph Hollcraft@IBA, and the impressive 5-Minute Pitch presenters Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP and Paolo Esteban—what a powerful display of local innovation and hustle.

Willamette University MBA is proud to be the premier MBA for Professionals in Portland and Salem. If you're a professional ready to level up, pivot, or build something new, we’d love to chat.

📍Let’s connect—and we’ll see you at the next Event!

05/15/2025

Grad Feature 🎓

Meet Mia Lund
Master of Business Administration

Q: Is there anyone at Willamette you’d like to thank?
🗣️ “I want to thank everyone who has supported me through my journey— especially my softball team and the professors at Atkinson!"

Q: What’s next after graduation?
🗣️ “Moving back home to Nebraska to work at Hudl!"

05/15/2025

Grad Feature 🎓

Meet Amy Nelson, JD/MBA

Q: Is there anyone at Willamette you’d like to thank?
🗣️ “Every single one of my friends, classmates, and professors in WU's Econ department, AGSM, and WUCL who have supported me on my journey to become a Triple Bearcat! I couldn't have done with without the Willamette community."

Q: What’s next after graduation?
🗣️ “Studying for the Washington State Bar Exam in July!"

05/13/2025

It is almost time to celebrate our Class of 2025! Our Early Career & Career Change MBA Commencement ceremony starts on Sunday, May 18th at 9:00 AM on our Salem Campus. 🎓

Visit the link below for more event details!
https://willamette.edu/life-on-campus/commencement/agsm/

05/08/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate 50 years of Atkinson with us at this year’s special Brownwater Anniversary Celebration!

From ice cream floats and paper boat races to heartfelt stories, a BBQ, and Casino Night fun! It was a day full of connection, laughter, and Bearcat pride. 🐾

Since 1974, the Atkinson Graduate School of Management has been shaping leaders across business, government, and nonprofits. It was an honor to celebrate that legacy with you, our students, alumni, faculty, and friends.