Terry College of Business Dean Ben Ayers
At the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, we have launched transformative initiatives to strengthen our academic offerings, expand our reach, and empower our students, alumni and stakeholders. Let it be known that Terry College has 14 programs ranked among the nation’s best — including nine earning Top 10 public rankings. These efforts reflect our commitment to staying at the forefront of business education and addressing the evolving needs of the global business landscape.
The M. Douglas & V. Kay Ivester Institute for Business Analytics and Insights
One of the most exciting developments is the establishment of the M. Douglas and V. Kay Ivester Institute for Business Analytics and Insights (IIBAI). Named in honor of Doug Ivester, a 1969 UGA accounting graduate, and his wife Kay, this institute represents a monumental step forward in our commitment to analytics education and research. Ivester, the former CEO and chairman of The Coca-Cola Company, envisioned the institute as an opportunity to advance research and disseminate analytics knowledge to our stakeholders.
In today’s data-driven world, harnessing and interpreting data is essential. The IIBAI will serve as a hub for analytics expertise, providing cutting-edge resources for empirical research and enhancing our curriculum so our students have the skills to thrive in a data-centric economy.
Much as the UGA Institute for Leadership Advancement connected leadership development to organizations and communities, the IIBAI will bridge the gap between analytics education and real-world application. By fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and industry leaders, the Ivester Institute ensures that Terry College remains a leader in this critical field.
Expanding Opportunities: The Master of Professional Accountancy Program
Another integral development is launching the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) program, set to begin in Fall 2025. This online graduate degree is designed specifically for working professionals with a non-accounting education seeking to advance their careers or pursue professional licensure in the high-demand field of accounting.
The MPAcc program will be taught by our esteemed faculty from the J.M. Tull School of Accounting. Through financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and accounting analytics courses, students will add to their expertise and acquire the knowledge and skills that transcend industry boundaries. Every organization and entrepreneurial venture rely on sound financial reporting and management, and the MPAcc’s hands-on projects allow students to apply their business skills to real problems.
By offering this program online, we are making it accessible to professionals across the state of Georgia and nationwide, enabling them to balance their education with their personal and professional commitments.
Fostering Entrepreneurship with the Georgia Bulldog Angel Network
Entrepreneurship is at the heart of innovation, and we are proud to introduce the Georgia Bulldog Angel Network. Under the UGA Entrepreneurship Program, this initiative connects startup founders — UGA alumni, faculty, students, and friends — with potential advisors and early-stage investors.
Hosted at Atlanta’s Terry Executive Education Center, the Georgia Bulldog Angel Network will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and secure the resources needed to bring their visions to life. By fostering connections between innovators and investors, we aim to support the growth of startups and contribute to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Atlanta and beyond.
Online MBA: Flexibility Without Compromise
The first cohort of our Online MBA (OMBA) program, which launched in 2023, graduates in May. Offering the same world-class faculty, curriculum and resources as our highly regarded Professional MBA program, our Online MBA provides working professionals the flexibility to pursue a rigorous business education from anywhere in the world.
The program consists of 16 courses delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Courses are broken into 10-to-15-minute increments, making it easier for students to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Despite the online format, the OMBA program is highly interactive, with live activities and assignments that foster collaboration and engagement among students and faculty.
OMBA curriculum includes organizational behavior, leadership, analytics for decision-making, and strategic management — all designed to develop well-rounded business leaders. Online MBA students interested in studying abroad also may participate in an eight-day, in-person international residency to gain invaluable knowledge concerning the increasingly globalized business environment. Whether students choose to complete the program in 17, 20, or 23 months, they will graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment.
Terry College continues its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. By integrating these latest advancements in business education, we prepare our students to lead and make an impact in the state of Georgia.
Ben Ayers is the dean of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business.
