A legacy of business education at Cornell

Business education has existed at Cornell University for more than 100 years. In 2016, Cornell united its three world-renowned business schools into one college, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. Together, the college is shepherding a new era of business education through purposeful, results-driven learning.

McGraw Tower Cornell University

Guiding principles

Our mission, vision and values drive everything we do at the SC Johnson College.

Our mission statement

Our schools transcend the boundaries of business education and research to transform critical thinking into practical solutions. We collaborate within the college and across Cornell to mobilize diverse expertise, generate world-class knowledge, inspire students and positively impact society.

Our vision

We envision a world where business leaders drive sustainable, shared prosperity. Through bold ideas and principled leadership, we prepare our students to create organizations and solutions that benefit people, communities and the planet.

Our values

We pursue excellence with integrity, foster an inclusive and collaborative community and engage deeply with all stakeholders. Through innovation, service and compassion, we create meaningful impact and empower individuals to flourish.

MBA student walking in front of Breazzano Building, Ithaca NY

Forward momentum

We understand the magnitude of the commitments we make to our students and communities. Our strategic plan ensures that the day-to-day work of building our college aligns with living our values.

Andrew Karolyi speaking at event
College leadership

Meet Andrew Karolyi

Led by Dean Andrew Karolyi, the SC Johnson College leadership team is a diverse group of academic experts and industry professionals committed to the success of the college, its schools and our students, faculty and alumni.

Dean Karolyi’s vision is resolute: to empower today’s leaders, shape industry and redefine the very essence of business education.

“We are architects of a new era of business.”

 

Our priorities

Dedicated to making a difference.

We’re committed to equipping our graduates to make a meaningful difference in their chosen professions and in the world. Among our top priorities are programs and initiatives that cultivate a sense of belonging on campus and create a positive societal impact.

Student speaking, laughing with other student

Cultivating belonging on campus and beyond

Nurturing diverse talent pipelines and creating equitable workplaces is more than a skill set. It’s a mindset. We empower our college community to cultivate inclusivity through an array of learning opportunities, including professional development for faculty, mentoring programs for students and open forums for the entire campus.

Student smiling, working with other student in class

Community-centered, impact-driven education

We empower students to become ethical leaders who positively affect their communities and the world. Elements of engaged learning shine through in our academic programs, individual classes and experiential opportunities. Our faculty models this societal focus every day through their research and community collaborations.

Insights and impact

As a college, we understand the effect we have on the world extends far beyond the students enrolled in our programs. Read about the areas we prioritize through our research, seminars and centers and institutes.

Leveraging artificial intelligence

AI is more than a tool. It’s a market analyst. A logistics coordinator. A decision maker. It’s the basis of a product not yet developed. A solution for tomorrow’s greatest challenges. But only when business leaders draw on sound judgment to develop and implement the technology thoughtfully. Our faculty, students and alumni are working to understand the business and economic implications of AI, guard against pitfalls and leverage it for good.

Purpose-driven business

What if business success was measured by problems solved — not just profits generated? Our students, faculty and alumni tease apart complex issues, build businesses to address societal problems and improve the world at large, whether they are working to eliminate packaging waste, reduce disease on poultry farms, rethink the culture of banking or advance climate finance.

Leadership as a discipline

What does effective leadership look like in a world full of disruption, uncertainty — and possibility? It is not always about authority and command, but rather curiosity, trust, self-reflection and courage. At the SC Johnson College, we research management techniques, define meaningful strategies, create space for aspiring leaders to develop and offer alumni opportunities to keep learning.

Why we stand out

At the SC Johnson College, students gain the advantages of an Ivy League education while learning skills built for specific industries, careers and goals. Each school combines rigorous academics with access to a world-class research university.

Two Dyson students at breakfast, having a conversation

Dyson School

The Dyson School blends business education with applied economics, analytics and a focus on real-world problem solving. Students work closely with faculty, explore interdisciplinary opportunities across Cornell and graduate prepared to lead in business, policy and beyond.

Johnson student leaning in to conversation

Johnson School

The Johnson School combines a collaborative graduate learning environment with deep expertise in leadership, analytics, entrepreneurship and finance. Students benefit from close connections to industry leaders, experiential learning opportunities and the resources of Cornell’s broader university ecosystem.

Hotelie ('26) and teen chef Matthew Merril bakes blondies in the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Hall Kitchen.

Nolan School

The Nolan Hotel School prepares students to lead across hospitality, real estate, finance and service-driven industries through hands-on learning from day one. Students build real experience in and beyond the classroom while gaining access to a powerful global alumni network.

Many Cornell students walking on sunny day

Visit the college

The best way to learn about the SC Johnson College is to walk our campus paths and speak to the people who are the heartbeat of our academic community.