Haworth College of Business

Jori Benson is earning his MBA at WMU Haworth while playing defensive tackle for the Broncos. This summer, he added a nine-day study abroad program in Spain to the schedule.

The Business, Culture and Sustainability in Spain program, offered through the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, took students into companies to see how business operates in a different cultural context. For Benson, that meant a closer look at sustainability practices and long-term environmental responsibility, applied directly to what he is studying in the classroom.

"Talking with people who grew up in different countries and cultures gave me a new perspective on how big the world really is," says Benson. "The more curious you are, the more opportunities you create for yourself."

That flexibility is part of the design. The WMU Haworth MBA offers evening, online and in-person options built to work around a student's schedule, whether that means Division I athletics or a full-time job. Short-term faculty-led study abroad programs over winter break, spring break and summer fit the same way.

Read his story: wmich.edu/study-abroad/news/2026/07/student-athlete-benson

From the football field to Spain: Jori Benson proves student-athletes can study abroad | Study Abroad | Western Michigan University From the football field to Spain: Jori Benson proves student-athletes can study abroad Contact: John Sweeney July 9, 2026 Jori Benson, defensive tackle for the Western Michigan University football team, celebrates the Broncos' Mid-American Conference championship victory in 2025.  KALAMAZOO, Mich.....

David Dombrowski, B.B.A. '79, put his WMU Haworth accounting degree to work immediately, building the entire operating budget for the Chicago White Sox at 22 years old.

Ten years after graduating, Dombrowski became the youngest general manager in Major League Baseball history. He's now president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies with two World Series titles behind him.

"I understood the financial aspect of the game, and eventually it led me to also be club president and general manager, managing the business side of things," says Dombrowski. "I wasn't overwhelmed at all by expenses and the dollar amounts. For me, it was very simple, and that was based upon my education at Western Michigan."

See how an accounting degree built a Hall of Fame career: wmich.edu/magazine/news/2026/06/accounting-major-league-success-david-dombrowski-alumni-profile

Accounting for major-league success: Two-time World Series champion David Dombrowski reflects on his time at Western | W Magazine | Western Michigan University standard

WMU Haworth's student SHRM chapter, SEHR, earned the Superior Merit Award for 2025-26 from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Only four universities in Michigan received the recognition this year, and SEHR earned the highest level awarded to any chapter in the state. The award recognizes chapters for operations, programming, professional development and support of the HR profession, all measured across a full year of student-led work.

Congratulations to the students behind it and the HR faculty who supported them along the way!

The Princeton Review named WMU Haworth a top school for an MBA in its Best Business Schools for 2027 rankings.

Students gave high marks for what matters most to working professionals: flexible scheduling, the option to attend online or in person, small class sizes and the ability to customize the degree with certificates in business analytics, cybersecurity, food marketing or supply chain management.

"The WMU Haworth MBA program is versatile, preparing graduates to become strong decision-makers in a variety of functional areas and industries," says Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business.

WMU's own career outcomes data reflects the same. 97% of MBA graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree, with a median starting salary above $100,000.

See what makes the program a fit:

WMU named a top school for an MBA by The Princeton Review | Haworth College of Business | Western Michigan University standard

Meet The 30: Culture Champions & Community Leaders

The 30 recognizes emerging WMU Haworth alumni who are excelling in their careers and giving back along the way. This week, we're spotlighting 6 honorees who lead with people at the center—coaching careers, building inclusive workplaces, advocating for others and strengthening communities. These Business Broncos prove that business success and human impact go hand in hand.

Featured this week:
📍 Jordan Chopp - HR Hero
📍 Rodney Drew - Diversity Driver
📍 Sydney Hauck - People Partner
📍 McKayla Marcola - Dedicated Defender
📍 Mary Tabanguil - Community Cornerstone
📍 Donte' Tuggle - Career Coach

Read their full stories: wmich.edu/business/the30-2026-honorees

WMU Haworth's food marketing program just became the first academic program in the country to give students hands-on access to AiRICA, a cutting-edge agentic AI platform used by leading retailers and manufacturers for category management.

The six-figure gift comes from Intent Ai, founded by Dr. Brian Harris, who pioneered the category management discipline. Students will work in the same AI environment as industry professionals—and starting this fall, they can earn a Next Generation Category Management Training and Certification credential alongside it.

"Our students are finding ways to bring AI into their coursework already," says Dr. Russell Zwanka. "Launching a certification program around it means our students will graduate with real, credentialed experience in where this discipline is headed."

Read the full story:

WMU food marketing students get cutting-edge AI industry tool through six-figure gift | Haworth College of Business | Western Michigan University standard

Meet The 30: Wealth & Finance Experts

Each year, WMU Haworth honors 30 graduates, spotlighting alumni who are excelling in their careers and communities. This week, we're featuring 6 honorees from The 30 who excel in banking, wealth management, analytics and auditing. These Business Broncos provide the financial expertise and strategic insight that help organizations grow confidently. From lending to wealth strategy, they're the trusted advisors behind the scenes.

Featured this week:
📍 Joe Guarino - Lending Leader
📍 Sahana Madhanagopal - Adventurous Analyst
📍 Jonah Shafer - Savvy Strategist
📍 Tae Taylor - Finance Futurist
📍 Jana Walker - Audit Aficionado
📍 Kaitlyn Watkins Quezada - Numbers Navigator

Read their full stories: wmich.edu/business/the30-2026-honorees

Still thinking about this view from summer commencement weekend. 🤎💛

Imagine spending two weeks visiting 36 companies, making hundreds of industry connections and building friendships that outlast the trip itself. For WMU Haworth food marketing students, that's just another semester.

The Great Lakes Food Industry Tour has been a rite of passage for decades. This year's group toured Coca-Cola, McDonald's headquarters, PepsiCo, Mondelez, Meijer and more—getting an unfiltered look at how the food industry actually works, from the production floor to the boardroom.

"The tour lived up to every expectation I had and more," says Jo Taylor. "I am so grateful to have gained valuable industry connections and firsthand insights into all things food marketing, while earning class credits."

Find out more about the tour:

A class like no other: Food marketing students visit 36 companies in two weeks | Haworth College of Business | Western Michigan University standard