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Update | Spring/Summer 2023

School News: Teaching Award, Hottest Major, and More

Fabio Gaertner
Photography by Althea Dotzour

Fabio Gaertner Wins Chancellor’s Teaching Innovation Award

Fabio Gaertner, professor of accounting and information systems and the Cynthia and Jay Ihlenfeld Professor for Inspired Learning in Business, received the 2023 Chancellor’s Teaching Innovation Award, which recognizes a faculty member who has shown an innovative approach to learning. Gaertner teaches financial accounting in the full-time, professional, and executive MBA programs. His research includes the effects of executive compensation and taxes on corporate outcomes, asset prices, and accounting information.


New Certificate Increases Opportunity to Study International Business

In Fall 2023, WSB’s international business major will transition to a certificate program, enabling more students to integrate international business into their academic plans. The international business major had previously required a double major, making it difficult for some students to fit this area of study into their degree plans.

“We are excited that more Business Badgers will have the opportunity to explore international business through the flexibility this new certificate offers,” says Sachin Tuli (BBA ’98, MS ’00), director of the international business program. “Research shows that those who advance their global mindset are more inclusive and empathetic, have greater self-confidence and comfort with ambiguity, and are more imaginative in solving problems and forging cooperation.”

Students who are currently pursuing the international business major have the option to switch to the certificate program in Fall 2023 or complete their major by Summer 2028.


Undergraduate Students Hit New Career Placement Records

WSB’s world-class business education gives students the strong academic foundation and real-world skills to launch impressive careers upon graduation. Undergraduate students from the Class of 2022 set a new benchmark for post-graduate success, as highlighted by the data below:

95
job placement
Among undergraduates within three months of graduation—an all-time high
60
jobs in consulting
Secured by undergraduates, reinforcing WSB’s investment in this growing field
7,000
average starting salary increase
Since last year, reflecting heightened demand and value of WSB graduates

Supply Chain Management One of UW–Madison’s Fastest-Growing Majors

Steady growth of student enrollment is an important measure of an academic major’s success and relevance. WSB’s supply chain management major ranked #8 on UW–Madison’s hottest majors list, which highlights undergraduate majors that added the most students from Fall 2018 to Fall 2022. “We deliver an exceptional learning experience to our students,” says Jake Dean (MBA ’09), director of the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management. “I believe the resources provided by WSB and the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management and the increasing renown of supply chain as a discipline and career are among the primary reasons why we have had so much growth.”

Day of Giving Helps Business Badgers Take Flight

Outline of Bucky the Badger head with the words Day of the badger below the outline.

Alumni, parents, and friends came together on March 28–29 for UW–Madison’s annual day of giving: Day of the Badger. Thanks to the strong Business Badger community, more than $152,000 was raised for the Wisconsin School of Business. These gifts will be used to increase access to global experiences for current and future students, allowing them to see business through a global lens and build key problem-solving skills, resiliency, and cultural awareness.

More than 300 donors helped unlock a generous $50,000 match from Anthony and Carolyn McCusker. WSB is grateful for everyone who participated in this year’s campaign and is excited to increase global learning opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.

For the first time, WSB also hosted a Day of the Badger student celebration to educate students on the importance of philanthropy and celebrate the gifts that enhance their educational journeys.