Badger Blueprint brings sprawling renovations to Grainger Hall
A major, donor-supported renovation of Grainger Hall is underway, reshaping 31,000 square feet of the building into modern learning and community spaces. Phases one and two of the Badger Blueprint project, which were completed earlier this year, delivered cutting-edge lecture halls, study areas, and staff workspaces. Now, as phase three kicks off this fall, the focus shifts to the building’s first floor, which will include new gathering areas, collaborative workspaces, and improved dining options. Construction is expected to last through Fall 2026.
WSB adds new faculty to its ranks
Twelve new faculty members across seven academic departments joined the Wisconsin School of Business this fall, coming from prestigious institutions like the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. With expertise in increasingly pressing topics—including housing affordability, advanced AI algorithms, and sustainability and climate risk—these thought leaders are well-equipped to prepare students for the future and pursue pioneering research. Eight of the faculty members are also part of UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative: a strategic roadmap for addressing the complex challenges that are important to Wisconsin and beyond.
Rankings showcase undergraduate and graduate program excellence
WSB is proud to be ranked #19 overall and #9 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 Best Undergraduate Business Programs. WSB also continues to shine with top 25 national rankings in multiple specialty areas, showcasing the breadth and strength of the school’s undergraduate programs:
#1 in Real Estate
#3 in Insurance
#6 in Marketing
#14 in Accounting
#17 in Production/Operations Management
#21 in Management
#24 in Supply Chain Management/Logistics
Additionally, WSB’s MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management was recently ranked #2 in the country by Princeton Review.
WSB’s Russ Coff receives international recognition
Russ Coff, the Thomas J. Falk Distinguished Chair in Business and a professor of management and human resources at WSB, has received the 2024 Herbert Simon Award from Rajk College for Advanced Studies in Budapest, Hungary. The annual award recognizes scholars whose work has significantly contributed to solving real-world economic and business problems. A renowned expert in the field of management and strategic human resources, Coff’s research explores the role of human assets in innovation, creativity, and, ultimately in competitive advantage.
Happy quasquicentennial, WSB!
This fall, WSB celebrates its 125th anniversary and status as one of the nation’s first business schools. The theme of the anniversary celebration, A Legacy in Motion, reflects that fact that the school’s story is still being written. While WSB is steeped in tradition, it’s also evolving and embracing the future to meet the needs of today’s students and business professionals. Make sure to bookmark WSB’s anniversary webpage, which includes news, information about upcoming events and celebrations, and much more.
The Donor Digest is a quarterly round-up of stories made possible by gifts to the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) Fund. Contributions to WSB help the school implement transformative learning experiences and curricula that uniquely prepare students for post-graduation success. Read past stories about donor impact and the power of philanthropy.