School of Management

Five Decades of Excellence

In the heart of Flint, Michigan, a beacon of academic excellence has been shining bright for five decades—the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management. As we celebrate its golden jubilee, we reflect on the institution’s remarkable journey, its contributions to education and business, and the indelible mark it has left on the community and beyond.

Establishment and Early Years

The School of Management at the University of Michigan-Flint was founded in 1974 to nurture future leaders and entrepreneurs. The initial years were marked by dedication, hard work, and a commitment to providing students with a comprehensive education in business and management.

Educational Impact

Over the past half-century, the School of Management has become a cornerstone of academic excellence. Its programs, spanning undergraduate and graduate levels, have consistently evolved to meet the dynamic demands of the business world. The faculty, comprised of industry experts and seasoned academics, have played a pivotal role in shaping the minds of countless students, imparting not only knowledge but also a passion for innovation and ethical leadership.

Historical Milestones

1956	University of Michigan-Flint is established under the original name of the Flint College of the University of Michigan. In the same year, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program starts.
1975	School of Management (SOM) is established as a separate academic unit.
1981	Master of Business Administration (MBA) program starts.
1992	The University received AACSB accreditation in business administration.
2001	Netplus! MBA program starts.
2002	SOM moves to the William S. White Building; SOM organizes first faculty-led study abroad program to Russia.
2005	BBA online program starts.
2006	The number of tenured business faculty grows to 10; SOM signed its first dual degree program with Tamkang University of Taiwan.
2008	Number of full-time business faculty grows to 20.
2009	SOM signed its first student exchange agreement with Zagreb School of Economics and Management of Croatia.
2010	MBA program is recognized for the first time among top 50 part-time programs by Bloomberg BusinessWeek in the US.
2012	SOM moves to the Riverfront Center in January; Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program starts in September.
2015	The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is established with a $2 million gift from the Hagerman Foundation.
2016	The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation starts the annual Zillion Solutions contest to promote entrepreneurship. The contest is open to all students with dozens of prizes ranging from $100 to $2,000.
2016	The Summer Entrepreneurship Institute is established. The institute holds annual summer camp for junior and senior high students every summer. Students learn business and Entrepreneurship in the camp.
2017	Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Dynamics (MSLOD) program starts in September 2017.
2019	SOM students can now complete their programs 100% online.
2020	SOM operates smoothly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021	Online BBA degree is ranked #1 in Michigan for 2021, 2022, and 2023.
2023	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program starts.

Celebrating 50 Years

As the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management commemorates its 50th anniversary in the 2024-25 academic year, celebrations will be underway to honor the institution’s rich legacy. Events such as alumni family outings, Friendsgiving, economic forums and scholarship dinners will mark this milestone, bringing together current students, faculty, alumni and community members to reflect on the past and envision the future.

Tentative Calendar of Activities Celebrating SOM’s Golden Jubilee starting in 2024
This page will be regularly updated as details emerge and plans are finalized. 

September	Apple Orchard Family Outing Sep. 13 | 9-11 a.m. Location: Spicer Orchards Farm Market and Cider Mill This includes an informational greeting, wagon ride, fruit/pumpkin picking, cider and donuts. For questions regarding allergies, please visit Spicer Orchard FAQ The event is free. Please RSVP to this event Accounting & Finance Alumni & Students Picnic In collaboration with Plante Moran celebrating the 100th anniversary Sept. 28 | 1-4 p.m. Location: Riverbank outside Riverfront Plaza The event is free. Please RSVP to this event
October	Business Summit Oct. 31 | 12 p.m. Location: Riverfront Banquet Center  Keynote speaker: Ray Scott, President and CEO, Lear Corporation Corporate sponsors receive their own table for 10 attendees. The event is free. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to this event
November	U-M Football Game Tailgate  In collaboration with U-M Club of Greater Flint Nov. 9 Time: See the football schedule Location: Redwood Steakhouse | Sequoia room (5304 Gateway Centre Dr. Flint, MI 48507) Please RSVP to this event
December	Economic Forum In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Flint Dec. 13 | 12-1:30 p.m. Location: Michigan Rooms at UCEN on UM-Flint campus  The event is free. Please RSVP to this event
January	Wine Tasting Date& Time TBD Location: TBD The event is free.
March	Alumni St. Patrick’s Day Gathering Date& Time TBD Location: TBD The event is free.
April	Scholarship Dinner with Donors/Students Apr. 25 By invitation only Easter Egg Hunt for Young Alums Date& Time TBD Location: TBD The event is free.