Valparaiso University MBA Program Continues to Lead in Green Practices

February 15, 2023 – Valparaiso, Indiana – The master of business administration program (MBA) at Valparaiso University’s College of Business has been ranked fifth on the Princeton Review’s national Best Green MBA for 2023 list. This ranking is based on students’ ratings of how well they feel their program is preparing them to address environment, sustainability, and social responsibility issues in the careers they pursue after graduation. This year marks the third time the program has received this honor and reflects the goals in Uplift Valpo, the University’s strategic plan, to move toward more environmentally-friendly operations.

“In addition to viewing climate change as an existential threat to the planet, students of business, business owners, and future entrepreneurs have come to regard climate change as replete with transformational opportunities for future economic growth and success,” said Elizabeth Gingerich, J.D., professor of business law, Morgal-Vaughan Chair in Christian Business Ethics, and teacher in the MBA program, quoting her textbook “The Business Environment.”

Apart from making it a curriculum focus, the College of Business and MBA program find multiple ways to encourage green policy through highlighting energy needs and practices in the biannual, University-published “Journal of Values-Based Leadership” and supporting students and alumni projects that encourage green practices, such as the all-electric vehicle rideshare service “EV- Ryde,” founded in part by a College of Business alumna. 

“I’m passionate about the state of our planet,” Gingerich said. “I’m passionate about what we are leaving behind and how we equip our students to go forth in the world to ‘do well by doing good.’” 

“We are proud of our Green MBA ranking. It demonstrates that we are living our mission through a triple-bottom-line mindset, where sustainable business practices is a cornerstone of what we do at our College of Business,” said Niclas Erhardt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business. 

According to the Princeton Review, students praised the College of Business’s MBA program for promoting values-based leadership that focuses on sustainable practices. These students feel they are well-equipped to lead in the green economy of the future, and value the commitment to moral and ethical standing preached by the program and its professors. The full ranking list can be found here.

-30-