Whitman School Launches Experiential Center, Uniting Signature Programs Under One Coordinated Strategy
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management officially launched the Whitman Experiential Center this week, marking a major milestone in the school’s Transformation 2030 strategic plan and its commitment to preparing students through hands-on, relevant and applied learning.
The Experiential Center brings together the high-impact programs that define a Whitman education. Global immersions, case competitions, study away programs, class projects with companies, the Goodman IMPRESS professional development program and the Orange Business Angel Network are now aligned under one coordinated team and office.
As a central hub, the Experiential Center also works in close partnership with Whitman’s centers and institutes to expand access to high-quality experiential learning across all programs and levels.
The Experiential Center is built around four pillars that reflect what it means to be a Whitman student: Be Global, Be Innovative, Be Collaborative and Be Prepared. Together, these pillars ensure that every student, regardless of major or background, has access to experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
“What we’re launching is not simply a new program or office,” says Whitman Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “This is a defining commitment to the culture of Whitman and how we prepare students. Experiential learning is central to how we develop the skills, judgment and perspective our students need to lead. It is Transformation 2030 in action.”
Transformation 2030 is Whitman’s five-year strategic plan to elevate the school into the Top 25 undergraduate business programs rankings by 2030. Experiential learning sits at the center of that vision and constitutes a major area of investment. Experiential education is not an added feature of the student experience – it’s an essential centerpiece of how students learn to apply and practice their skills in realistic and meaningful settings at Whitman.
Director of the Experiential Center Erin Draper, who led the development of the center, says the four-pillar framework is designed to create a progression of experiences throughout a student’s time at Whitman.
"A student might begin with our first-year experiential AI course and use virtual reality in their sophomore management course to develop communication skills. From there, they might attend an immersion program in a major US or global market, compete in a national case competition, work on a semester-long consulting project for a company, and later conduct due diligence on a new venture through the Orange Business Angel Network," Draper says. "Each of those experiences builds on the last. Students aren't just collecting experiences. They are building a track record of excellence and relevance."
Whitman’s alumni and employer network plays a critical role in bringing these opportunities to life. Industry partners and alumni mentors help shape projects, coach student teams and open doors to new possibilities. As a result, students leave these experiences with more than skills. They leave with relationships, including mentors, collaborators and champions invested in their success.
To learn more about the Whitman Experiential Center and its programs, visit the Experiential Programs page or email whitexp@syr.edu.
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About the Whitman School
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University inspires students for a world of accelerating change. Offering B.S., MBA, M.S. and Ph.D. programs, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Whitman School’s faculty includes internationally known scholars and researchers, as well as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Whitman continues to be ranked among the nation’s top business schools by U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. To learn more about the Whitman School of Management, visit whitman.syracuse.edu.
About Transformation 2030
Transformation 2030 is the Whitman School of Management's strategic initiative to become a Top 25 undergraduate business school by 2030. The plan focuses on enhancing the student experience, expanding experiential learning, strengthening career outcomes, and building alumni engagement. The initiative reflects Whitman's commitment to delivering world-class business education that is accessible, practical, and transformational. To learn more, visit whitman.syracuse.edu/transformation2030
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is an independent research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our 13 schools and colleges and over 200 majors close the gap between education and action, so graduates are equipped to be resourceful, responsive and real-world ready. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected issues with innovative approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community of game changers that moves ideas, individuals and impact forward.