D'Youville University Launches New School of Business to Support Regional Workforce Needs

New standalone school will expand academic offerings and strengthen connections with Western New York employers.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – D'Youville University has announced the establishment of a new School of Business, expanding its commitment to preparing innovative business leaders and strengthening connections between higher education and the evolving needs of Western New York's workforce.

Building on the university's existing business programs, the new standalone school will bring a renewed focus to innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and experiential learning. Guided by a vision of becoming Western New York's Business School of Innovation, the school will prepare students to navigate an increasingly complex business environment while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration with employers and community organizations.

“Our new School of Business reflects the momentum we are creating at D’Youville and reinforces our commitment to expanding opportunities for students and Western New York,” said Dr. Lorrie Clemo, president of D’Youville University. “By building this school alongside our regional business community, we are aligning education with workforce needs, driving innovation and creating pathways to careers that deliver a strong return on our students’ investment. Just as importantly, we’re strengthening our ability to contribute to the economic vitality of Western New York and prepare graduates who will help shape its future.”

The new school comes as businesses and organizations across healthcare, manufacturing, finance, technology, sports and other industries face changing workforce demands and rapid technological advancement. Its academic approach will emphasize critical thinking, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship and the responsible use of artificial intelligence, helping students develop skills that translate across industries.

D’Youville's new School of Business will be led by Executive Director M. Kathleen Burke, PhD, a Western New York native who brings extensive international experience in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development. Burke earned her doctorate in Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics and has held research and leadership positions at institutions including Dartmouth College, MIT and the University at Buffalo. Her work has focused on how entrepreneurship, emerging industries and innovation can strengthen regional economies and communities.

“Western New York does not need another traditional business school,” said Burke. “Our region needs leaders who can bridge business, healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and community impact. The D’Youville School of Business is being built to develop innovators, problem-solvers, and responsible AI-enabled leaders who will shape the future of organizations throughout Western New York and beyond. We want our graduates to be future builders of business that serves society.”

The School of Business will build upon D’Youville's existing business degree offerings, including its Master of Business Administration (MBA), while pursuing an expanded academic portfolio. New programs in digital marketing, entrepreneurship and sports management are planned as part of the school's expansion, providing students with additional opportunities to develop expertise in growing and evolving industries.

Experiential learning will be a central component of the school's educational approach. Through internships, consulting projects and applied research developed in collaboration with businesses and organizations throughout Western New York, students will apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while gaining a broader understanding of how local issues connect to global trends.

The school's development has been informed by conversations with regional employers, alumni, entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders, nonprofit executives and economic development organizations. An inaugural Business Advisory Board and a growing network of industry partners will help guide the school's continued development, support curriculum relevance and create opportunities for student mentorship and professional engagement.

The new School of Business also builds upon D’Youville's longstanding strengths in healthcare and interprofessional education, creating opportunities for students to explore the intersection of business with healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship and other fields.

By combining business education with real-world experience, D’Youville aims to prepare graduates who can lead organizational change, embrace innovation and contribute to the continued economic growth of Western New York.

For more information on D'Youville University, visit dyu.edu.

About D’Youville University 

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences, business and marketing. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.