The Pursuit of Excellence: Ranked #1 in Learning...Again!
Bloomberg Businessweek has again named William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business #1 in Learning, a ranking accolade the school has achieved five times in six years.
It's a prestigious recognition that administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are incredibly proud of. Still, it prompts the question, What is it about the Mason School that makes it such a rich and positive learning environment?
Defining the Learning Environment DNA
Scientifically speaking, the learning environment in higher education comprises the psychological, social, cultural, and physical setting in which learning occurs and in which experiences and expectations are co-created among its participants.
While there are certainly many aspects to each of those settings that can contribute positively to a student's learning environment, there are three specific areas that Mason School students and alumni frequently cite as vitally important to their time at William & Mary: an engaging and inclusive atmosphere; access to resources and support; and clear and consistent communication.
"We are deeply dedicated to our institution's pursuit of excellence in learning. This distinction is not merely a number but a benchmark for our efforts, evident in our consistent ranking. It reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering innovative and impactful education," stated Dean Todd Mooradian, T.C. and Elizabeth Clark Professor of Business Administration.
A Beacon for Belonging
To its very core, William & Mary has always been a public research university with a vibrant and inclusive community. The school's mission statement states, "We inspire lifelong learning, generate new knowledge, and expand understanding. We cultivate creative thinking, principled leaders, and compassionate global citizens equipped for lives of meaning and distinction."
These values carry over to the Mason School as it aims to humanize the science of business through programs and initiatives and the effortless interactions among students and faculty, staff, and administrators.
"From the very beginning, Julie and Beth helped make the transition to the Mason School so easy," said Ghanaian native Yaw Obeng, MSBA '24. "They are there to support you."
Students and alumni also attribute the Mason School's faculty to being crucial to creating an engaging and inclusive atmosphere. The faculty are not just world-class professionals with a passion for teaching but also are dedicated to creating a learning environment that encourages participation, respects diverse perspectives, and fosters a sense of belonging that helps students feel comfortable and motivated to learn.
"In the entirety of my academic career, I have never experienced such a talented and caring group of professors as I did during my time in the Masters of Accounting program at William & Mary," said Valerie Rondi, MAcc '24. "These professors were not only very well educated in their area of expertise but were so passionate about their classes that it was infectious."
Obeng shared a similar sentiment: "William & Mary has something special, as in the professors take ownership of your journey. They are so accommodating, and the quality of the learning experience was amazing."
The ability of the faculty to create a sense of belonging among the students transcends beyond the one-year masters programs. Ali Dolan, MBA '24, shared her experience, explaining, "I think the Mason School is consistently ranked #1 in learning because our professors are deeply devoted to their students' success stories. They are invested in our growth as young business professionals."
Dolan recounted when she visited one of her professors during office hours after completing a challenging assignment. She said the professor looked up at her unexpectedly and said, "The first week of class, I saw a scared and timid young woman in you as I taught. Now, a couple of weeks later, I see a young woman who can successfully complete this program." Dolan said her interaction with Professor Elizabeth Foster empowered her to achieve more than she could have imagined for herself.
Access to Resources and Support
Another critical part of the learning environment is the physical environment that students learn and engage in. It would be impossible to recognize #1 in Learning without providing students with the necessary resources such as textbooks, technology, and learning materials. Additionally, having access to support systems like tutoring, counseling, and mentorship all help Mason School students overcome challenges and succeed academically.
"The Mason School has excellent facilities for learning. It's not just in the classroom," said Obeng. "The collaborative spaces in the atrium and the amenities in the breakout rooms also help make learning very easy. If you want to have a meeting, you can easily book a room, plug your computer into the TV, and host your video calls—it's a seamless experience."
However, the environment is not limited to physical space alone. The unseen and unmeasurable space where students can work collaboratively and leave room for new ideas, applications, and approaches is equally important to the learning experience.
Mike Lepore, MBA '24, cited the interactions among his colleagues and the administration as a highlight of his time as a Mason School student. "It established cohesive professional relationships with a key focus on transitioning into your profession after the program. The emphasis on experiential learning provided practical insights directly related to real-world challenges," he said.
Across all graduate-level programs, there is a concerted effort among faculty and staff to develop an atmosphere that is less competitive and more concentrated on lifting one another to succeed. And it's not a concept that is introduced once students arrive at Miller Hall. It's a value that is evident to students before even applying.
"I was drawn to William & Mary because of the collaborative spirit within the MBA cohorts, which fosters a supportive and enriching environment for all students," said Dolan.
Lepore echoed that sentiment: "The community was the main highlight for me."
Clear and Consistent Communication
Effective communication between Mason School students and educators is the final element that leads to the success of the ranking. Without clear instructions, timely feedback, and open channels for questions, students would be unable to understand expectations, stay on track, and feel supported in their learning journey.
Dolan said, "I never had a professor more than willing to meet with me outside of the classroom to review the materials. We have incredible leaders who have had extremely successful careers and are now coming to Williamsburg to share their knowledge."
For Rondi, "the small class sizes made for a more flexible learning experience where my professors could request feedback during the semester on how we were absorbing the material or what we were most interested in to adapt their classes accordingly." She went on to say that this approach to learning how to apply in-classroom concepts to real-world experiences made her a more well-rounded student and better prepared her to enter the business world.
Clear and consistent communication with entities outside of the classroom, such as the professional staff of the Graduate Career Management Center (GCMC) is also vital to the Mason School's learning environment as students navigate their individual paths toward employment and success in the business world. This was especially true for Obeng, an international student seeking employment in a tough labor market.
"They were there to support me as a student and are still there supporting me as a graduate," he said. "I'm still in my job search process, and we still exchange emails when I have a question or need advice. It's impressive that they continue to help after you've finished school."
As the Mason School enters another academic year, it carries with it the distinction of being recognized as #1 in Learning by Bloomberg Businessweek for the fifth time in six years. The Mason School's faculty and staff foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, empowering students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. As students and alumni attest, this unique combination of factors makes the Mason School a special place for lifelong learning and professional growth.
