Rising up in the music industry alongside legendary executives Clive Davis, L.A. Reid, and Charlie Minor, Steve Bartels (CERT ’92), CEO of Def Jam Recordings, has been steered by his mentors to lead with his gut and remain artist-centric. Def Jam’s current roster includes contemporary artists Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, and Iggy Azalea—the label has boasted such legends as LL Cool J, Jay Z, and The Roots. In conversation with Dean Judy D. Olian at UCLA Anderson’s 2017 Pulse Conference, Bartels noted that “if anybody exemplifies what Def Jam subscribes to, it’s Kanye” describing West as “topical” and “genius.” Bartels also views the growing popularity of playlists as a new challenge and opportunity to embrace. “My goal is having more people wanting more of my music. Seize the medium and seize the day.” Read more.

UCLA Anderson’s Parker Career Management Center earned a 4.8 on a 5-point scale, the highest mark for student satisfaction among top MBA programs, in The Economist 2016 survey. Students finding jobs through the center and the team’s ability to meet expectations and needs are a couple of variables that factored into the rating. Assistant Dean Regina Regazzi ’97 attributes the success to her team’s investment in getting to know students—an opportunity she identified when she took the helm back of PCMC back in 2011. “Every student was allowed to go to any advisor in our office, but they always had someone who was tracking them,” said Regazzi. Moreover, PCMC has been ranked among the top three centers among The Economist’s surveys of alumni for the past three years. Read more.

We are pleased to announce our newest academic degree program, the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA). The demand for expertise in data analytics is exploding across many industries and markets. The program will prepare students to structure data collection opportunities, pose unique questions, detect data patterns, and derive valid insights from the data while developing an understanding of market forces and honing leadership skills. Designed as a 13-month program, the MSBA combines online courses, in-person classes and action learning projects.

Many thanks to Professor Felipe Caro, the faculty director of the new degree program, to Laurie Summers, Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, and to all who contributed to bringing this new program to fruition.


Judy D. Olian
Dean and John E. Anderson Chair in Management


John W. Mamer
Faculty Chairman, Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Decisions, Operations & Technology Management

Registration is now live for Alumni Weekend. Secure early bird pricing now for Alumni Conference and select reunion celebrations. Learn more about Alumni Weekend events including information about discounted accommodations, schedules, and pricing.

Bringing together distinguished and influential leaders from the private and public sectors, the 2017 Latin American Business Conference will explore Latin America’s economic, trade, political and social prospects this Friday, March 3 at UCLA Anderson. Former President of Columbia Álvaro Uribe Vélez will present a keynote address followed by a discussion moderated by Professor Sebastian Edwards. There will be panel discussions covering media and entertainment, innovation, and economic growth in addition to targeted networking opportunities. General admission is $45, which includes parking, lunch and a reception. Register now.

Gain insights about the new retail landscape through exploring the trends of the melding of the physical and digital shopping worlds at the 2017 Evolve Conference this Saturday, March 4 at UCLA Anderson. How is the evolution of retail affecting distribution, merchandising, services and consumer behavior? Find out from keynote speaker Gary Schoenfeld (B.A. ’84), President and CEO of PacSun, and business leaders from Anthropologie, Dermstore, DSTLD, Levi Strauss & Co., Mattel, Pinterest, Westfield and more. Panel discussions will focus on startups, omnichannel trends, consumer trends, technology trends, and disruptive business models. Alumni tickets, which include breakfast and lunch, are $50 each. Register now.