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Q&A with Dean James Danko

Thu Apr 8 2010

BusinessBecause
How did you get interested in business?
I started out cutting grass and doing paper rounds as a young teenager. At 17 I got a part-time job in a local medical equipment firm, where I was given a lot of responsibility and ended up pretty much running the show.  When the owner died his family asked me to stay on as the manager. I was 19. After several years I had bought a franchise of stores and started expanding into new business areas.

What was your first experience of the business school world?

I had been running my own company without any formal business education but I decided I'd like to apply for any MBA. By this time I already had savings in the bank and a family. I went to the University of Michigan - now the Ross school of business. I enjoyed learning in a university environment, but I couldn't resist applying my commercial skills, and ended up advising the school's marketing director on new initiatives to attract students. When I finished the MBA I was asked to stay at the school to join the marketing team. This was the first of a series of b-school roles.

How do you think the business education sector is changing?
There are analogies with publishing. Both have been traditional, people-intensive models, impacted hugely by recent technological
developments. The introduction of online degrees and high-end digital programs are threatening some aspects of classroom-style education. The prestige of an MBA qualification is often in the contacts you make and the faculty who teach you - not the specific location or education you receive. You can form a network and listen to famous professors online - you don't need to physically be in a lecture theater.

You've recently been appointed to the board of GMAC - presumably you're a fan of the GMAT test?
The GMAT is the 'Ritz-Carlton' of admissions test, and the bottom line is that people can't cheat. We've seen plenty of problems with alternative tests - such as the CAT in India - where you just can't be sure of the security levels. So yes I'm a fan!

What have been your greatest achievements at Villanova?
I'm particularly proud of our improved reputation, with gains in FT and Economist rankings, and generally a higher level of press exposure. The Villanova campus is an incredible place to study - we have a pastoral faculty who care about the students, and a passionate and engaged alumni base. Our undergraduate program is particularly renowned - now ranked 20th in the US. Given that 80% of business degrees are actually studied at the undergrad level, and this is a particularly competitive market, Villanova is performing exceptionally well.

How international is Villanova?
10% of our undergrad program are from overseas - enough to inject diversity into the class. Most of our part-time and EMBAs are local, given that these individuals are working - although of course we have a mix of nationalities and the course content and case studies are internationally-focused.

Student Reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor - Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Student

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8/01/2024

On Campus

Best School Ever

Love the University of Michigan! There are so many incredible people of all different backgrounds. We have an huge student population so it is easy to find people with similar interests. Also a great education that sets you up for any job in the future.

Jude

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20/06/2023

On Campus

Lecturers; inspiring excellence

As a student in general one thing that stands out for me is the quality of how Information is passed through, I am eager to express my utmost gratitude to how the lecturers who greatly enrich my academic path pass these information. The exceptional quality of education and unwavering dedication displayed by these outstanding individuals have consistently surpassed my highest expectations. I am grateful for the profound influence they have on my personal development and the remarkable strides I have made in my learning journey.

Kate

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28/05/2023

Blended

Top Choice

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive support systems that contribute to student career success. The undergraduate programs offered at the university are highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top public schools. The university's distinguished reputation and abundant resources empower students to excel. Faculty members are readily available and provide valuable guidance and knowledge to facilitate learning.

Fred

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24/05/2023

On Campus

Remarkable journey

The University of Michigan has been a very fantastic experience for me. My expectations were surpassed by the high caliber of instruction, the enthusiastic lecturers, and the variety of options for personal development. The campus is stunning, and there is a wonderful sense of community there. The University of Michigan is a fantastic choice for a memorable collegiate experience. Go Blues!

George

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18/05/2023

On Campus

Vibrant Atmosphere

The University of Michigan is a top institution with superb academics, outstanding faculty, and an unrivaled student experience. A quick stroll from end to end of Central Campus just takes a few minutes. The vibrant atmosphere of Ann Arbor, together with its accessibility to the city's center and abundance of dining options and activities, enhances its allure. An extra benefit is the convenient and effective transit system. The entire university experience was excellent!

Nitika Mittal

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3/05/2023

Online

Leading Ambitious Teaching and Learning

I have enrolled in the course "Leading Ambitious Teaching and Learning." It is starting on May 3rd and will end on August 31st, so it is a 6-week course. I am interested because it is a self-paced course which will help me with the following things; Firstly, utilizing videos and other evidence can improve teachers' understanding of ambitious instruction. Providing teachers with practical examples and real-world applications can enhance their skills and knowledge. Secondly, technology can play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students in enacting ambitious instruction. Leveraging technology can provide additional resources, increase engagement, and promote personalized learning. Thirdly, research-based frameworks can be used to organize schools and systems to support ambitious instruction. Frameworks can help establish best practices and set standards for educators to follow. Lastly, leadership strategies and skills are vital to inspiring and supporting positive change. Strong leadership can motivate and guide teachers toward ambitious instruction while creating a positive school culture that prioritizes student learning. This course is offered as certified and non-certified, and the fee for the certified course is very nominal (approx. $271). Moreover, all the professors are highly educated. This course has provided its course material online and it is supported by the Edx platform. Overall, based on my educational background and work experience, I am confident that taking this course will provide me with additional qualifications and I can include it on my resume.

Student

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4/04/2023

Online

World class institution

The University of Michigan is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and it has a number of initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion on campus. For example, it has a comprehensive set of policies and programs aimed at increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities, women, and LGBTQ individuals among its students, faculty, and staff.

Student

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4/04/2023

On Campus

Coolest university ever!

The University of Michigan is a world-class institution that offers its students an exceptional education and an unparalleled range of opportunities for intellectual and personal growth. With its commitment to academic excellence, research, and service, it is no surprise that it consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States.

Student

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4/04/2023

On Campus

Academic programs

The most impressive aspects of the University of Michigan is its academic programs. With over 260 degree programs across 19 schools and colleges, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, law, and medicine, the university offers an unparalleled range of opportunities for students to pursue their academic interests and career aspirations. The faculty members are world-renowned scholars and experts in their respective fields, and they are committed to providing their students with a challenging, yet supportive, learning environment.

Student

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12/01/2024

On Campus

U of Michigan

University of Michigan is known to be very academically rigorous while also having a booming social life for students. I believe it fully lived up to this reputation!! Every school and program is a power house and has the resources and opportunities for students to succeed.

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