American Jewish University (AJU) announced Nov. 11 that it is creating its first business school to teach students about management and ethical business models.
Named the School of Enterprise Management and Social Impact (SEMSI), the new program will aim to empower a new generation of business leaders to serve as ethical change-agents who lead purpose-driven ventures, generate sustainable value for diverse stakeholders, in order to better the world.
It will also train non-profit leaders, providing them with the management skills to create innovative and effective organizations. The school will also try to examine the intersection of business needs and wider societal concerns, prompting students to consider stakeholder capitalism, focused on a broader set of actors beyond shareholders.
“Society has arguably never faced a more challenging moment, and businesses and nonprofit organizations that elevate morally-centered leaders will pave the way to meet the needs of today and the future,” AJU President Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, said. “At American Jewish University, we apply age-old Jewish wisdom and teachings to inspire students of all backgrounds to lead. These values are at the core of the curriculum at our School of Enterprise Management and Social Impact, and they are the foundation for stronger communities.”
SEMSI will offer a variety of degrees and certifications, including a reimagined and cutting-edge MBA program set to begin Fall 2021 and a BA completion program also set for 2021.
AJU also said in a statement that brands around the world are taking a more ethical approach to business, and businesses are reconsidering ways to maximize value for all stakeholders, by measuring their impact against new metrics, such as the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit). The coronavirus pandemic has further catalyzed this shift in the private sector, as businesses are being called on to help meet the needs of this challenging moment.
“The business leaders of tomorrow require an education that arms them with the ability to drive companies that prioritize communities, the environment and society, not solely equity holders,” David Groshoff, Dean of SEMSI said in a statement. “That’s precisely what we are doing at AJU’s School of Enterprise Management and Social Impact—not just in a single chapter or course, but in the entirety of our programmatic offerings, throughout our business school.”
