JMSB breaking new ground
Dean Jerry Tomberlin presented a snapshot to the Feb. 14 Board of Governors meeting of a JMSB poised for a leap forward.
Some conditions affect all Quebec business schools. There is a strong domestic demand for undergraduate education in business, and a need for MBA graduates. At the same time, competition among schools is fierce and government funding low, making hiring difficult.
When competing for professors, Tomberlin said the JMSB has a 20 to 30 per cent negative salary gap with schools outside Quebec. The school is emerging from a hiring freeze with 91 tenure-track positions but faces a spate of retirements. It will eventually grow to 150 tenure-track and extended-term appointments.
The JMSB is the largest English-language business school in Canada. Tomberlin said its vitality is due to the success of its undergraduate students. Positive word of mouth and a welcoming atmosphere have made the JMSB the school of choice for many. The dynamic co-op program is also bringing in top undergraduates.
Despite doubling PhD candidates in the last two years, the school will review its policy on raising the GMAT score for entry into the MBA program, as it limited admission. It is also going to better differentiate the MBA from its competitors. Research is on the rise, actively supported by initiatives like the recently announced Desjardins Centre for Innovation in Business Finance.
At the heart of JMSB preoccupations over the past two years was the elimination of a $3.4 million deficit. It is now a leaner operation, but at a cost. The school will have larger classes with more teaching assistants. However, the new JMSB building will provide more space and new classroom technology.
Qualified professionals have been hired to do administrative and support work, freeing the faculty members to concentrate on teaching and research.
With the support of University Communications, the school’s marketing and communications have been centralized under Karim Boulos and a more coherent, cost-effective operation developed. Alumni are active in events like the Awards of Distinction and mentorship programs. Fundraising is being pursued by Principal Development Director Joseph Capano.
Tomberlin wants to develop more inter-faculty programs, such as a joint MBA/Master’s of Engineering, arts management with the Faculty of Fine Arts, and aviation security, modern language and communication programs with Arts & Science. The school is also looking to develop undergraduate studies in international business.
Tomberlin said the outlook is positive, especially with the new building going up at the corner of Guy St. and De Maisonneuve Blvd. The stage is set for a new period of growth for the school.