Illinois Wesleyan looks to open School of Business and Economics

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University has announced its plans for its newly formed School of Business and Economics (SOBE).  Along with existing business programs, the new school will house new majors such as professional sales, supply chain management, quantitative finance and financial planning.

SOBE Interim Director, Dr. John Camey, says the school is focusing on majors that will continue to prove useful in an ever-changing labor market.

“Two years ago, most of the country had never heard the term supply chain management, but now everyone knows how important it is,” Camey said.

In addition to cuddling-edge course topics and majors, the IWU SOBE will be equipped with state-of-the-art financial technology.

“Last year we dedicated the Greg Yess Bloomberg Finance Lab to set up with Bloomberg terminals,” said Camey. “Those are precisely what they’re using on Wall Street right now, and we have a new faculty member that is an expert on their use and application.” 

This new lab has provided IWU students with real-world experience similar to what they will see once they graduate.

“As a result, we’ve developed a new major, quantitative finance.  It is very focused on Bloomberg Terminal use and applications,” Camey continued.

IWU will continue to update and evolve previously existing majors to adapt to new business and finance technologies and innovations.

The IWU SOBE plans to partner with local businesses for internship opportunities.  The McLean County Small Business Development Center is located on the campus of IWU, and it works with small local businesses to provide financial and business administration assistance.