Five Decades of Excellence
In the heart of Flint, Michigan, a beacon of academic excellence has been shining bright for five decades—the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management. As we celebrate its golden jubilee, we reflect on the institution’s remarkable journey, its contributions to education and business, and its indelible mark on the community and beyond.
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Establishment and Early Years
The School of Management at the University of Michigan-Flint was founded in 1974 to nurture future leaders and entrepreneurs. The initial years were marked by dedication, hard work, and a commitment to providing students with a comprehensive education in business and management.
Educational Impact
Over the past half-century, the School of Management has become a cornerstone of academic excellence. Its programs, spanning undergraduate and graduate levels, have consistently evolved to meet the dynamic demands of the business world. The faculty, comprised of industry experts and seasoned academics, have played a pivotal role in shaping countless students’ minds, imparting knowledge and a passion for innovation and ethical leadership.
School of Management Degree Completion Scholarship
The cost of tuition remains a significant hurdle to degree completion, even as students near the finish line of their education. This scholarship is intended to provide assistance to undergraduate business majors approaching graduation but at risk of having financial hardships hinder their degree completion. To be eligible, seniors need to maintain satisfactory academic performance and regularly meet with their academic advisors. Several University Innovation Alliance member institutions have already demonstrated success with similar scholarships reducing student account balances and allowing them to remain enrolled and eventually graduate.
In a remarkable act of generosity, School of Management alum Steve Whitener has committed to matching every contribution made over the 2024-25 school year to the School of Management’s Completion Scholarship, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. This extraordinary opportunity allows your donation to have double the impact, offering crucial support to graduating seniors. Join Steve in making a significant difference in the lives of these promising students by leveraging this match to maximize your support.
Our Sponsors
Building Communities Together
Business Summit Luncheon Partner
Victors Supporting Sponsors
Historical Milestones
| 1956 | University of Michigan-Flint is established under the original name of the Flint College of the University of Michigan. In the same year, the Bachelor of Business Administration program starts. |
| 1975 | School of Management is established as a separate academic unit. |
| 1981 | Master of Business Administration program starts. |
| 1992 | The University received AACSB accreditation in business administration. |
| 2001 | Netplus! MBA program starts. |
| 2002 | SOM moves to the William S. White Building; SOM organizes first faculty-led study abroad program to Russia. |
| 2005 | BBA online program starts. |
| 2006 | The number of tenured business faculty grows to 10; SOM signed its first dual degree program with Tamkang University of Taiwan. |
| 2008 | Number of full-time business faculty grows to 20. |
| 2009 | SOM signed its first student exchange agreement with Zagreb School of Economics and Management of Croatia. |
| 2010 | MBA program is recognized for the first time among top 50 part-time programs by Bloomberg BusinessWeek in the US. |
| 2012 | SOM moves to the Riverfront Center in January; Master of Science in Accounting program starts in September. |
| 2015 | The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is established with a $2 million gift from the Hagerman Foundation. |
| 2016 | The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation starts the annual Zillion Solutions contest to promote entrepreneurship. The contest is open to all students with dozens of prizes ranging from $100 to $2,000. |
| 2016 | The Summer Entrepreneurship Institute is established. The institute holds an annual summer camp for junior and senior high students every summer. Students learn business and Entrepreneurship in the camp. |
| 2017 | Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Dynamics program started in September 2017. |
| 2019 | SOM students can now complete their programs 100% online. |
| 2020 | SOM operates smoothly during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| 2021 | Online BBA degree is ranked #1 in Michigan for 2021, 2022, and 2023. |
| 2023 | Doctor of Business Administration program starts. |
Celebrating 50 Years
As the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management commemorates its 50th anniversary in the 2024-25 academic year, celebrations will be underway to honor the institution’s rich legacy. Events such as alumni family outings, Friendsgiving, economic forums and scholarship dinners will mark this milestone, bringing together current students, faculty, alumni and community members to reflect on the past and envision the future.
Tentative Calendar of Activities Celebrating SOM’s Golden Jubilee starting in 2024
This page will be regularly updated as details emerge and plans are finalized.
2024
| September | Apple Orchard Family Outing Sep. 13 | 9-11 a.m. Location: Spicer Orchards Farm Market and Cider Mill This includes an informational greeting, wagon ride, fruit/pumpkin picking, cider and donuts. For questions regarding allergies, please visit Spicer Orchard FAQ The event is free. Please RSVP to this event. Accounting & Finance Alumni & Students Picnic In collaboration with Plante Moran celebrating the 100th anniversary Sept. 28 | 1-4 p.m. Location: Riverbank outside Riverfront Plaza The event is free. Please RSVP to this event. |
| October | Business Summit Oct. 31 | Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at noon. Location: Riverfront Banquet Center Keynote speaker: Ray Scott, President and CEO, Lear Corporation Corporate sponsors receive their own table for 10 attendees. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to this event. |
| November | Veterans Luncheon Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. Location: Happenings Room, UCEN The event is free. Please RSVP to the Veterans Luncheon event. |
| December | Economic Forum In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Flint Dec. 13 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Location: Food Bank of Eastern Michigan 1939 Howard Ave Flint, MI 48503 Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The event is free. Please RSVP to the Economic Forum event. |
2025
| January | SOM Alumni Hockey Night Jan. 25 | 7 p.m. Location: Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center 3501 Lapeer Rd, Flint, MI 48503 This event is free. Please RSVP to the SOM Alumni Hockey Night by Jan. 15. |
| February | Entrepreneurship Extravaganza Feb. 13 | 4-6 p.m. Location: Riverfront Plaza, 1st Floor 1 Riverfront Plaza Flint, Mi 48502 This event is free. Please RSVP to the Entrepreneurship Extravaganza event. |
| March | Alumni St. Patrick’s Day Gathering March 14 | 6-8 p.m. Location: Fenton Winery 1370 N. Long Lake Rd., Fenton Twp., MI 48430 This event is free. Please RSVP to the Alumni St. Patrick’s Day Gathering event. |
| April | Scholarship Dinner with Donors/Students Apr. 25 By invitation only SOM Student & Alumni Spring Kickback Party April 17 | 5-7 p.m. Location: 2nd Floor School of Management 1 Riverfront Center, Flint, MI 48502 RSVP |
The 50th anniversary of the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management is a testament to the institution’s resilience, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. As it celebrates this significant milestone, the school stands as a beacon of inspiration for the entire academic and business community, reminding us all that with vision, perseverance, and a commitment to education, the possibilities for success are limitless.
