William & Mary named a 2025–26 Celonis Academic Center of Excellence

The Raymond A. Mason School of Business played a central role in William & Mary's designation as a Celonis Academic Center of Excellence for the 2025–26 academic year. The university was named among the global leaders in process mining scholarship and applied learning. The announcement was made at Celosphere, the company's annual international conference held November 3–5 in Munich, Germany, where Professor Monica Tremblay served as a featured panelist.

The Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence represent the highest level of applied education, research activity, and curriculum innovation in process mining. Schools chosen for this recognition are considered global leaders in preparing the next generation of experts in process intelligence. More than 500 institutions participate in the Celonis community each year, and only 13 were selected for this cycle.

William & Mary was recognized for advancing process intelligence in the United States in a way that Celonis described as "truly unparalleled." The Mason School's creative, people-centered research, along with its wide-ranging adoption of process mining throughout the curriculum, stood out among the competitive international applicant pool.

"The Mason School has built a rare combination of academic rigor and industry relevance," said Professor Monica Tremblay, who leads several of the School's process-mining research initiatives. "Our students learn to approach organizations as complex systems and to use data to improve real outcomes for real people. Celonis has been an exceptional partner in helping us create that environment."

A powerful boost for the MSBA and growing AI curriculum

This designation arrives at a crucial moment for the Mason School, particularly for the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. At the most recent faculty meeting, updates to the MSBA curriculum were approved that formally strengthen the program's connection to artificial intelligence. These revisions support an ongoing shift toward an AI-centric learning model that aligns closely with Celonis's process intelligence ecosystem.

A key driver behind this progression is Professor Pamela Schlosser, who led the development of the MSBA's AI curriculum. Celonis identified this curriculum as a key factor in William & Mary's selection and acknowledged the Mason School's continued and consistent ranking as the #1 institution for learning.

"Our goal is to graduate students who feel confident working at the intersection of analytics, technology, and responsible leadership," said Professor Schlosser. "Being named a Center of Excellence confirms that our approach is setting a standard that other schools look to."

Professor Rachel Chung, whose AI course is a signature offering in both the online and residential MSBA programs, has also served as a bridge to the university's new School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics at W&M. She was featured in a recent article highlighting a new AI research group and continues to play an essential role in aligning efforts between the Mason School and the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics.

"This recognition gives us a strong foundation to deepen our collaboration," Professor Chung said. "There is enormous potential to build shared pathways for students and faculty across the university who are interested in the future of intelligent systems."

The recognition also supports new initiatives in the undergraduate business program. Professor Tracy Johnson Hall has been in active discussions with Celonis about expanding process-mining resources and training opportunities for BBA students. "Our students are eager for tools that match the pace of industry," Johnson Hall said. "Celonis opens doors for them in ways that are both immediate and lasting."

Research with real-world impact

Celonis cited the Mason School's research as a defining strength. Faculty are advancing creative, people-centered applications of process mining, particularly in public sector and social impact settings.

Professor Monica Tremblay is leading a project that examines inefficiencies in the Juvenile Justice system, with a focus on delays in mental health diagnosis and treatment that can lead to unnecessary out-of-home placements. Her team is using Celonis software to map processes, analyze root causes, and recommend improvements.

"Process mining helps us understand where systems fail young people," Tremblay said. "When you can see the full picture, you can bring together the right partners and design interventions that truly make a difference."

A partnership with foundational roots and opportunity

The Mason School and Celonis have maintained a strong partnership for years. Celonis experts regularly speak in classes, coach students, and support two to three Capstone project teams each spring. Many graduates have secured roles with Celonis or with client organizations, often directly connected to their Capstone experience.

"Each year, our students take on complex Capstone projects that mirror the challenges organizations face today," said Andrew Lieberman, MSBA'18, Director of Partner Management at Celonis. "The experience is transformative and gives employers confidence that Mason graduates know how to deliver value from day one."

Dean Todd Mooradian praised the designation and emphasized the strategic importance of the relationship.

"This honor reflects the creativity and dedication of our faculty and students," Mooradian said. "It reinforces the Mason School's leadership in analytics and AI education and strengthens our partnerships with innovative organizations around the world. Most importantly, it supports our mission to prepare principled, data-driven leaders who improve the lives of others."

The 2025–26 Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence include (in alphabetical order):

• Central Michigan University
• Georgia College & State University
• NOVA Information Management School
• Pforzheim University
• PUC Chile Human & Process Research Lab
• Rutgers University
• RWTH Aachen
• Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology
• Universidad de Costa Rica
• University College Dublin
• University of Münster
• University of Westminster
• William & Mary

"The momentum around responsible AI and process intelligence is only growing," Schlosser said. "This designation positions our students and faculty at the center of that movement."