Pompea College Of Business

By Dr Brian T. Kench, Dean

Business schools in the USA are renowned for offering world-class education, preparing students for leadership roles in a dynamic, global economy. Many universities provide specialized programs to meet the needs of the modern business landscape, blending traditional business education with emerging trends in technology, innovation, and global markets. Among these institutions, the University of New Haven stands out for its commitment to excellence and forward-thinking academic programs, particularly within the Pompea College of Business.

Founded in 1920, the University of New Haven is a private university located in West Haven, Connecticut, just a short distance from the vibrant city of New Haven and the scenic Connecticut shoreline. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs through its various colleges, including the Pompea College of Business, which is based in nearby Orange, Connecticut. The College is known for its robust business offerings, including nine undergraduate majors and nine master’s programs.

Since 2015, Pompea College of Business has been at the forefront of integrating technology with business education. With a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines, the College now offers 12 STEM-certified programs that blend business with cutting-edge fields such as cybersecurity, gaming, and esports. This innovative approach has made the institute a leader in preparing students for the future of business. In Fall 2023, 62 percent of undergraduate students and 84 percent of graduate students in the business school were enrolled in one of these STEMfocused programs.

“The University of New Haven is consistently recognized as a top-tier institution in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and it has earned accolades for its service to military veteran students. With a student body that includes nearly 37 percent international students, the university fosters a global community, offering a well-rounded education to students from around the world”, shares Ranjana Maitra, Country Head (International), University of New Haven.

AACSB-Accredited Excellence at the Intersection of Business and Technology

The Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven is accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an accreditation earned by fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide. This recognition reflects the College’s commitment to high academic standards, rigorous faculty qualifications, and exceptional programs. AACSB accreditation signals that Pompea College of Business offers world-class business education, with graduates often securing higher salaries and more competitive job opportunities due to the institution's esteemed status.

“In addition to AACSB accreditation, the College has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its outstanding experiential learning opportunities. These include the Shared Live Client Experience (SLiCE) program, internships, co-ops, near-peer mentoring, and study abroad programs. The College also supports student-faculty research and entrepreneurial activities, which enhance students' real-world experience. Furthermore, the Pompea College of Business manages the American Business Journal (ABR), an A-level journal ranked by the Australian Business Deans Council”, shares Brian T. Kench Dean.

The College’s faculty and staff have redefined the institution's reputation over the past decade, transforming it into a leader in business education at the intersection of business and technology. By developing twelve STEM-certified business programs, Pompea College of Business addresses industry demands, offering specialized degrees such as Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Financial Analytics. These programs have contributed significantly to the College's success, with 62 percent of undergraduates and 84 percent of graduate students enrolled in STEM programs as of 2023.

This focus on industry-relevant programs has proven successful, as 99 percent of undergraduate and 97 percent of graduate students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. These outcomes demonstrate the College’s strong ability to prepare students for the workforce and solidify its position as a leading institution for business education.

Industry-Ready Education through Experiential Learning

The Pompea College of Business focuses on preparing students for successful careers by offering a range of hands-on, industryrelevant experiences that equip them with in-demand skills before graduation. As a leader in STEM business education, the College emphasizes experiential learning through a variety of programs designed to bridge the gap between academics and real-world business practice.

One of the standout initiatives is the Shared Live Client Experience (SLiCE) program, where students work on consulting projects for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, providing valuable insights and solutions. Business students also gain practical experience through Google AdWords projects, where teams collaborate with clients to develop digital marketing strategies, and through participation in high-level competitions like the MBA-IOPACT Case Competition and the CFA Institute Research Challenge for finance students. Sport management students have the opportunity to compete in prestigious events such as the National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship and the National Sports Forum Undergraduate Case Cup. The College's affiliation with the Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute allows students to pursue the globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst designation, enhancing their credibility in the investment world. Internships play a key role in the curriculum, with 554 students completing internships in 2023 alone, providing them with direct industry exposure. Pompea College of Business is situated in Orange, Connecticut, on a campus surrounded by over 300 acres of preserved forest, offering a serene and inspiring environment for study. The state-of-the-art 70,000-square-foot business building provides modern amenities such as ample parking, food services, and collaborative spaces, fostering both individual and group study. These features contribute to the College's commitment to providing a comprehensive, industryfocused education.

Charting the Path Ahead

The Pompea College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, the highest standard of excellence for global business schools. All AACSB-accredited institutions are committed to enhancing educational quality through well-defined visions, missions, and strategic plans. For Pompea College of Business, the focus of its strategic initiatives is twofold, including strengthening its emphasis on STEM business analytics across all disciplines and expanding experiential learning opportunities for students to engage directly with industry. Recently, the business faculty approved two key focus areas for the College’s future growth, namely economic empowerment and sustainability. Over the next five years, the college plans to offer even more opportunities and experiences in these critical fields.