The U.S. News and World Report recently recognized the University’s School of Business for its outstanding programs. Ranked 28th in public universities across the country in 2009, the school deserves University support and recognition.

The school was also included in The Princeton Review’s 2010 “The Best 301 Business Schools” for its Masters’ of Business Administration program.

Todd Dorsey, Overland Park junior in marketing, entrepreneurship and psychology, said the quality of education the school provided was its biggest advantage on the competition.

“Our MBA program is competitive to get into,” Dorsey said. “It is sought after because of quality professors with a large amount of experience in their fields that have chosen to give back.”

Dorsey also said the excellence in teaching did not just extend to graduate students. Undergraduate students in the school benefit from professors’ many and varied experiences.

“Enthusiasm trickles down from MBAs and professors,” he said. “Professors teach undergrads and MBAs, tying examples of the core material to what they’ve done in their life and in their career.”

With experience in the industry, professors know what students will soon be up against. Dorsey said it was clear how vested professors’ interests are in the success of their students. He said the excellence observed in the school was founded on relationships formed between students and professors and the desire to prepare students for what lies ahead.

“Relationships fostered with professors are evident,” Dorsey said. “We have motivated individuals, high quality individuals in the MBA program here.”

Also adding to students’ preparedness is the school’s Career Service Center. Dorsey said the CSC aided students with interviewing, resumes and also sets up informational meetings with potential employers. The CSC also puts on the School of Business’ Career Fair each September that draws in many local and nationwide employers for students to speak with and learn about career opportunities.

“Our Career Service Center in the Business School is top notch,” Dorsey said. “The Career Center is very good at placing people in jobs and setting them up for success.”

With all the advantages given to students, there is one area where the school is lacking: its facilities. Summerfield Hall, home of the school, detracts from the school’s appeal. When visitors come to the University, their first impression of the school can be deceiving and often deterring.

Dorsey said the school was in the process of raising money for a new building. With the given economy, however, he doesn’t see the transformation happening quickly. A new facility would be an ideal, but the there are many other needs University-wide that require financial support.

With its continually proven success, the school deserves University support in the updating of their facilities. Professors and students are investing their time and energy into making the school prominent and they deserve a facility that is worth their investment.

For now, the University as a whole should applaud the school for its efforts, and realize when one school is recognized the whole community benefits from better students and better faculty.