#United States #Kennesaw State #MBA #Rural Management #Kennesaw

Kennesaw State University Launches Unique MBA Concentration

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is making waves in the world of higher education by introducing a groundbreaking concentration in Rural Management within its Evening Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, starting in Fall 2025. This initiative marks a significant step as it becomes the first MBA program in the United States tailored specifically for rural management.

The introduction of this concentration comes after the University System of Georgia approved two new fields of study: Rural Management and Business Intelligence. While the Business Intelligence track aims to enhance data-driven decision-making skills among students, the Rural Management concentration is set apart by its commitment to address the specific needs and challenges faced by rural communities.

Renee Bourbeau, the Executive Director of MBA Programs at KSU's Michael J. Coles College of Business, highlighted the pressing need for qualified professionals to occupy leadership roles within these growing rural areas. "Rural counties are experiencing incredible growth," she stated. "These communities need qualified professionals to fill leadership positions in business and government. Kennesaw State is proud to be the first university in the country to offer an MBA program specifically tailored to their unique economic position."

The focus on Rural Management encompasses several critical areas, including sustainable agriculture, infrastructure development, and access to vital services such as healthcare and education. This focus is timely; the U.S. Census Bureau has reported a rare surge in population growth in rural counties, particularly in Georgia, where Jackson and Dawson counties are noted among the fastest-growing.

Bourbeau pointed out the potential consequences of leadership vacuums in rural municipalities, using the example of Talking Rock, Georgia. The town's loss of its mayor in 2021 led to a series of events that culminated in the loss of its fire station, ultimately increasing insurance costs for residents. The Rural Management MBA is designed to equip future leaders with the skills necessary to prevent similar situations.

Alongside the new Rural Management concentration, the program will also incorporate diverse courses that delve into economic development pertaining to rural America and strategic agricultural business practices. Meanwhile, the Business Intelligence concentration will provide students with skills in areas like data analysis, risk management, and big data utilization to empower them to make informed business decisions.

Each track will complement the core MBA curriculum, ensuring that students not only receive a solid foundation in business principles but also specialized knowledge that can help cultivate their respective communities.

KSU’s commitment to adapting its educational offerings illustrates its recognition of the evolving needs of its students and the surrounding business landscape. Bourbeau emphasized this, stating, "We are always looking for new ways to adapt our programs to respond to the needs of our students and the business community. Our concentrations in Rural Management and Business Intelligence expand Kennesaw State into new markets and provide more students with opportunities for career advancement."

In addition to these innovations, the Michael J. Coles College of Business stands as Georgia's second-largest university business school, accredited by AACSB International, affirming its dedication to maintaining high educational standards.

Overall, Kennesaw State University is not just responding to the growth seen in rural areas; it is pioneering a path forward for future leaders who will be equipped to address the unique challenges and opportunities that these communities face.