Carson-Newman expands MBA program to Pellissippi State campus

(August 11, 2014)– Carson-Newman University has launched a new partnership with Pellissippi State Community College that allows the University to offer its MBA program on site at Pellissippi’s Strawberry Plains campus.

Carson-Newman recently received approval from the Southern Association of College and Schools. Courses start Aug. 25.

“We are excited about this partnership with Pellissippi State, a strong community college in our area,” said Dr. Kina Mallard, executive vice president and provost at Carson-Newman. “This opportunity allows Carson-Newman to continue to expand its reach to meet the educational needs in East Tennessee and beyond.”

Dr. Mike North, campus dean for Pellissippi State’s Strawberry Plains campus, agrees that area students will be the beneficiaries of the new agreement.

“Pellissippi State is excited about our relationship with Carson-Newman University,” said North. “The addition of Carson-Newman’s MBA program at our Strawberry Plains campus is another step toward what we envision for the facility – a multi-purpose campus that provides our students and the surrounding community with a variety of educational opportunities. We are looking forward to working with Carson-Newman as we accomplish this goal.”

Dr. Paul Percy, dean of academic affairs at Carson-Newman says the early response has been very positive. “We already have 22 students who are enrolled,” noted Percy who says that accessibility is important. “This allows us to offer more options to our students who are looking to pursue a Carson-Newman MBA.”

Along with growing Carson-Newman’s presence and continuing to strengthen its brand, Percy said the University’s decision to expand its MBA program just made sense. “It’s the most popular among master’s degrees,” explained the dean. “Twenty-five percent of all master’s degrees earned are MBA degrees.”

Percy says courses will be offered one night a week for four hours for a total of eight weeks, which, according to Percy, is the preferred length among both students and faculty.

The University will open with a leadership course Aug. 25 and will then offer a course in entrepreneurship Oct. 20. Taught by Carson-Newman faculty, classes will meet on Mondays from 6 to 9:45 p.m. Space is limited.

Those interested in enrolling in Carson-Newman’s MBA program may apply online at www.cn.edu/gradapply. For more information call 865-471-4652.