Dean Reinemund Talks Momentum as Rankings Released

Momentum: force or speed of movement; impetus, as of a physical object or course of events
That is the word that perhaps best represents the Wake Forest University Schools of Business after finishing among the fifty best business schools for the first time since 2007, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
Dean Steve Reinemund clearly had momentum in mind as he discussed his vision for the Wake Forest Schools of Business with about 50 evening MBA students Wednesday night. Clearly it was top of mind when he discussed the latest ranking, though he was unable to tease out the final result to interested students.

Though mum on the placement, the smile on Dean Reinemund's face gave away his general pleasure at the results. He emphasized during the Q&A that the actual ranking is less relevant than overall improvement. He favors momentum over ranking and “absolute results” instead of comparisons to others. The key is for each MBA, MA and MSA student to have pride the in the degree each is working hard to capture.

“We want you to feel that your education will increase in value,” he said.
Wake Forest University's overall ranking was 46 this year. The university's part-time business school program was ranked at 31, marking its first finish in the Top 50 since 2004.
The Wake Forest Schools of Business is making other moves designed to instill pride among current students and alumni, while adding luster for those considering its programs.
Diversity, a hallmark of Reinemund’s corporate career, will be more noticeable. The business schools are set to hire two Hispanic women to tenure-track posts, marking an historic first. Administrators are also in final negotiations that would add a second African-American professor to the faculty, he said.
Facilities are poised to improve. Reinemund said his team has secured $25 million of the $45 million needed to construct a new building for the schools of business, which he hopes to have completed and filled by fall 2013. He said there are also plans for a new building in Charlotte to accommodate students there.
It was obvious that the key word in all this was momentum, with optimism that the schools of business is gaining such movement. It is an exciting time to be at the university.