Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Dean Andrew Karolyi: “As we look to the future, we are focusing on increasing student affordability across all degree programs—undergraduate, MBA, and specialized master’s—to ensure accessibility for talented individuals from all corners of the globe”
This year, we resolve to redouble our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration within Cornell, leveraging the strengths of the SC Johnson College of Business alongside other colleges and schools. The urgency of addressing societal challenges such as social and income inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss requires deeper and more impactful partnerships. These complex issues demand a broad understanding across disciplines, and we believe that business education must lead the way. Corporations, too, can—and must—be catalysts for innovative solutions, and we are determined to prepare our students to step into this vital role.
Despite the “slowbalization” of trade and capital flows in recent years, international partnerships among business schools remain indispensable. They are profoundly beneficial to our faculty, students, and staff—and to the world at large. This past year, our faculty engaged in a record-breaking 475 research collaborations, spanning 27 countries. These included co-authored publications, working papers, and joint external grants. Beyond these efforts, our college actively participates in exchange networks and manages four dual-degree programs with valued global partners. Notably, we continue to thrive within the 32-country CEMS network, focusing on the Master’s in Management degree program. Looking ahead, we see endless opportunities to deepen and expand these enduring partnerships.
Success in today’s dynamic academic and professional landscape is defined by our ability to cultivate and amplify partnerships both internally and externally. Over the past year, we prioritized fostering international collaborations through impactful networks, including Responsible Research in Business & Management (where we chair the working board), the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), AACSB, EFMD, and the Global Business School Network. These efforts have driven significant progress, creating a strong foundation as we continue to elevate our global influence and reinforce our commitment to responsible business education.
A major highlight for 2025 will be hosting the inaugural in-person Responsible Management Education (RME) Week at our Cornell campus in New York City. This groundbreaking event will convene hundreds of scholars from around the world, uniting the UN PRME’s Global Forum, AACSB’s Societal Impact Conference, and RRBM’s Responsible Research Summit for the first time. RME Week will spotlight sustainability in business education and research, all in service of societal impact. While the logistical demands are significant, we are confident that our college is uniquely equipped to make this event a resounding success.
Finally, we remain steadfast in our philanthropic mission. Four years ago, we launched a $500 million capital campaign as part of Cornell’s university-wide “To Do the Greatest Good” initiative—a vision inspired by the words of our founding benefactor, Ezra Cornell. This initiative serves as our North Star, guiding us to develop globally aware, people-centered business leaders committed to making a positive impact on society. Remarkably, we have reached our target ahead of schedule, thanks to the dedication of our alumni leadership.
Our work, however, is far from complete. As we look to the future, we are focusing on increasing student affordability across all degree programs—undergraduate, MBA, and specialized master’s—to ensure accessibility for talented individuals from all corners of the globe. Future philanthropic investments will be targeted toward strategic areas such as data science and AI, sustainability, and responsible leadership and management education. These initiatives will enhance Cornell’s legacy of excellence and equip our students to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
—Andrew Karolyi, Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
