In Partnership with the Business Community

Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Mark Funkhouser is among several prominent guest speakers who have visited the Executive Fellows program. Others have included:

Don Barger, CFO, Yellow Roadway Carol DiRaimo, Vice President for Investor Relations, Applebee's David Douglass, President, Honeywell FM&T Lisa Fielden, Director Human Resources, DST Gwen Grant, CEO, Urban League of Greater Kansas City Michael Haverty, Chairman & CEO, Kansas City Southern Railroad Barnett Helzberg, Former President/CEO, Helzberg Diamonds Lloyd Hill, Chairman, Applebee's John Voeller, Chief Technology Officer, Black and Veatch Clyde Wendel, Vice Chairman, Managing Director, UMB Lynette Wilson, Senior VP for Investor Relations, Aquila Bill Zollars, Chairman, President and CEO, Yellow Roadway

Interaction between the Executive Fellows and leaders in the business community results in a type of learning unlike that available on the job or in regular university courses. Such diverse organizations as banks, hospitals, newspapers and manufacturers present cases on deregulation, takeovers, market position and life cycles. Guest lecturers from local, regional and national businesses across the United States share their views and expertise with Executive Fellows classes.

Case Studies and Live Consulting Projects
In the Helzberg Executive Fellows MBA program, you’ll engage in collaborative problem-solving from day one. In-class simulations and case-study analysis allow you to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways while gaining insight from your colleagues and faculty members. You’ll work closely with your team to conduct live consulting projects with organizations such as the Roasterie, KCUR Public Radio and the Kauffman Foundation.

Prominent guest speakers
Guest lectures by Kansas City business leaders add focus and immediacy to class discussions and help you gain a solid understanding of the critical issues facing organizations. You’ll have access to business leaders from a variety of industries, and you’ll grow your professional network through the school’s strategic alliances with local businesses and alumni.

Faculty Connected to the Business Community
Helzberg faculty use a student-centered approach to teaching that includes a variety of methods with an emphasis on relevant and practical learning. They keep up with current applications through consulting work and scholarship. Their case studies are published in top case journals and used by textbook authors.

Rockhurst: An Early Innovator
Since the early 20th century, Rockhurst University has recognized the needs of the business community, and has been an early innovator in the field of business education:

Developing Leaders with a Social Conscience
The Helzberg School aims to develop ethical leaders of competence and conscience based upon the Jesuit tradition of learning, leadership and service. In so doing, the school embraces ideas such as strategic philanthropy, in which organizations respond to real community needs in ways that align with their organizational mission and are good for business. Executive Fellows leave with a commitment to lead and serve others with a greater social conscience. Rockhurst's Center for Leadership and Ethics engage Kansas City businesses, organizations and individuals through speaker series, workshops and consultation.