Faculty
Recognizing that faculty teaching and research was the backbone of a successful business school, Curt Carlson invested $25 million in the Carlson School faculty in 1986. This transformative investment helped to elevate the School to be a business powerhouse, recognized for its contributions enhancing the business community through both collaboration and innovation, and development of the regional, national, and global talent pool.
Faculty are the lifeblood of any institution of higher education and thanks, in no small measure, to the vision and generosity of our benefactors, the Carlson School has been able to build an extraordinary faculty who contribute to the intellectual vitality of the School and business community. Our faculty includes many of the world's leading thinkers, teachers, and researchers in the areas of data analytics, consumer behavior, health finance, entrepreneurship, and more. Carlson School faculty research earns consistently high rankings, and faculty members are in high demand around the world as visiting scholars, lecturers, and researchers.
Our vision is to continue to attract and retain the best faculty from around the world.
A competitive advantage (or differentiator) of our faculty is their unique ability to thrive inside the classroom while engaging and adding value externally, from the world's most recognizable companies to Minnesota's vibrant startup scene.
We recruit “triple asset faculty” - those who are robust researchers, engaged teachers, and are leading, collaborative partners with industry.
Located in the center of a global headquarters community, this collaboration is a natural partnership among industry and thought leaders. Our culture of insisting upon research and teaching excellence, coupled with industry collaboration, has made Carlson School faculty highly sought after by top business schools around the world. Recruiting and retaining Carlson School faculty requires significant resources.
Faculty Funding Priorities
It’s our moment to reach higher. With philanthropic investments in faculty, we will provide the world’s most effective business education and advance our role as a talent powerhouse. We will become an innovation crucible through which breakthrough research transforms business. We will forge dynamic new partnerships and engagement opportunities to benefit all stakeholders.
$2.5M (endowed)
Generally conferred on the most accomplished scholars, an endowed Faculty Chair is the most prestigious title a faculty member can hold, and a recognition of an individual’s contribution to the academy and the Carlson School. These named endowed funds provide support to a professor’s research and professional activities. Endowed chairholders are widely recognized as global thought leaders in their respective fields and help further the School’s reputation for world-class faculty.
$1.5M (endowed)
Endowed faculty professorships are used to attract or retain highly accomplished tenured faculty at the Full or Associate professor rank. This prestigious recognition of faculty leadership and contribution provides critical funding for cutting-edge research, innovation, course development, and travel.
$500k (endowed); $50k annually for three years (non-endowed)
Faculty fellowships recognize our rising stars, junior, and recently promoted faculty who are recognized for enhancing the intellectual environment of the Carlson School. Fellowships provide much-needed resources, including critical summer support, for these promising scholars to build their research reputations while greatly enhancing the School’s ability to retain these future thought leaders after they achieve tenure.
Connect with us
To learn more about making a gift to support world-renowned faculty at the Carlson School, please contact Jessica Kowal, Interim Assistant Dean.