A Message from Dr. Dean McFarlin

Dear Alumni, Friends, Students and Partners,

In today’s dynamic business environment, preparing future leaders means building a strong business foundation, leveraging emerging technologies and cultivating the communication, adaptability and leadership skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.

At the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, where ethics, innovation and leadership are our guiding principles, we are committed to providing a top-tier business education that prepares graduates to become difference-makers who lead with integrity and foster a deep sense of social responsibility.

That commitment is reflected in our strategic plan, Palumbo-Donahue 2030: Enhancing Distinctive Excellence (PD 2030). 

Grounded in the University’s inclusive Spiritan mindset, PD 2030 pursues an ambitious vision: to be the best student-focused business school known for transforming lives through difference-making education, producing sought-after graduates and generating innovative thought leadership that improves business and society. 

PD 2030 serves as both a roadmap and a call to action. It challenges us to think boldly about what business education can achieve and how we can create even greater value for our students, our partners, and the communities we serve. Anchored by a clear mission and values statement, the strategic plan defines the School’s values and identifies five strategic goals essential to future success. 

As you read this issue of Duquesne Business Leader, you will see how our strategic goals come to life through stories of programming and innovation occurring throughout the School.

New academic programs in Real Estate and Financial Planning, along with our revised Flex MBA, demonstrate how we are creating educational opportunities that align with evolving workforce needs.

Discover how artificial intelligence is being thoughtfully integrated across the curriculum to prepare students for the future while maintaining a strong emphasis on ethics, critical thinking, and human-centered leadership. 

Our Centers of Excellence and Institutes continue to enhance experiential learning by linking students with industry leaders and providing practical opportunities through course-embedded real-world projects, as well as participation in competitions and conferences. The Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success offers comprehensive, holistic support for students throughout their educational journey, making the Duquesne experience distinctive.

Read about our growing network of corporate and community partnerships that integrate client-based projects into the classroom while providing internships and career pathways.

See how entrepreneurship is flourishing through initiatives like the Duquesne New Venture Challenge and how investments in Rockwell Hall are creating dynamic spaces for collaboration and innovation.

Together, these efforts strengthen our ability to provide a student-centered educational experience that transforms lives. 

While we are proud of the significant progress already made, our strategic plan is not a destination—it is an aspirational commitment to a future vision for the School, one that constantly evolves. The accomplishments featured in these pages demonstrate meaningful momentum, but they also remind us that our work must continue. 

We remain focused on preparing sought-after graduates, strengthening our impact on business and society, and ensuring that the next generation of difference makers is equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and innovative world.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your engagement, partnership and support are indispensable to our success. 

Sincerely,
Dean McFarlin, Ph.D.
Dean, Palumbo-Donahue School of Business
Duquesne University