A MESSAGE FROM GARY E. WEST COLLEGE OF BUSINESS DEAN ANN SAURBIER
Welcome to the Gary E. West College of Business …
And welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! Whether you are a continuing student or new to the College of Business, I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for an exciting new academic year.
The West College of Business has a long and rich history of providing an outstanding education. I am thrilled to be joining the team of dedicated faculty members and to lead their continued efforts in providing a world-class business education.
Today’s fast-paced, technologically connected, and globally focused world has placed unique demands on organizations of all types. The complexity of the worldwide pandemic has only increased the demands for business solutions that ensure balance between the needs of people and the drive for profitability and success.
At West Liberty, in alignment with the WLU Mission, business education has been designed to ensure that graduates possess not just the knowledge but the skills necessary for success in the dynamic 21st century business landscape. The small class sizes within the Gary E. West College of Business allow students to not only get to know their faculty and fellow classmates but also to learn from and with each other.
At the undergraduate level, there are 11 majors and 11 minors to choose from as part of an International ACBE accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A) program, as well as two technology certificate programs. In addition, the 100% online General Business program offers a more flexible bachelor’s degree option for both traditional and non-traditional students.
In addition, at the West College of Business we’re especially proud of our Master of Business Administration program. The blend of theory and practice, with both a 100% online option and a hybrid option blending online instruction with time in a dynamic classroom setting at the conveniently located Highlands Center, the MBA program combines a broad business foundation with depth in three areas of concentration: Forensic Accounting, Management, and Healthcare Management. MBA graduates are trained to not only make effective strategic decisions but also to confidently use the knowledge and skills acquired to lead change and develop solutions that positively impact the local, national, and global communities. Finally, the graduate certificate in Healthcare Management allows those already in the health care profession to gain the specialized expertise needed to advance in their career.
Over and above the outstanding academic programs, resources including the Business Incubator Center allow West Liberty business students support to follow their passion and develop their small business ideas. The West Liberty chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) also helps students prepare for careers in business and business-related fields by providing opportunities to travel, compete in national competitions, and network with students and professionals from around the world.
If you have not yet joined the Gary E. West College of Business but are interested in exploring a career in business through one of our majors or augmenting your primary discipline with a business minor I urge you to reach out: give us a call at 304.336.8053, send an email at business@westliberty, or better yet stop by to see us at 230 Main Hall. We’d love to talk to you about how studying business can help you achieve your career goals.
On behalf of the entire Gary E. West College of Business, welcome to the new school year! We’re all here to offer the guidance and support to help you make the most of the year and answer any questions you may have.
My very best wishes for success in the year ahead – and Go Hilltoppers!