By Arial Starks
Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management has embarked on a transformative journey with the unveiling of a new mission statement: “Creating opportunities to discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond.” Centered upon the words “Discover, Grow, and Thrive,” this statement captures the essence of the school’s vision and aspirations. Through an inclusive and collaborative 6-month process, the Vanderbilt Business community has crafted a mission that not only reflects its current identity but also sets the course for future educational endeavors.
Creating Opportunities: A Collaborative Effort
Richard Willis
The process of developing this mission statement was a meticulous and inclusive one, involving a committee consisting of Vanderbilt Business faculty, staff, and alumni. Richard Willis, Associate Provost for Research and Innovation, Anne Marie and Thomas B. Walker, Jr., Professor of Accounting and Senior Associate Dean for the Faculty at Vanderbilt Business, was a key member of the mission statement committee. He described the experience as both creative and organic. “We wanted to ensure that we captured as many voices as possible,” Willis explained. “Faculty, staff, and alumni were three sets of constituencies that we engaged with throughout the process.”
Dean Thomas Steenburgh reflected on the inspiring stories heard during the mission statement development: “We heard from a faculty member empowered to explore scholarly work across nontraditional boundaries, a student who secured venture capital for a startup, staff who create opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning each day, and alumni who achieved career successes beyond their wildest dreams thanks to Owen. These experiences highlight the personal and meaningful impact of our work, capturing why we do what we do.”
Discover: Embracing Curiosity and Innovation
Neema Mehta
One pillar of the new mission statement, “Discover,” embodies the spirit of curiosity and innovation that defines Vanderbilt Business. “Discovering is about more than just acquiring knowledge,” Willis noted. “It’s about uncovering new aspects of oneself, exploring career aspirations, and gaining insights that can transform lives.”
Dean Steenburgh echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of discovery in both academic and professional growth. “We wanted a mission statement that embraces the art of becoming. It is both aspirational and true to who we are. Our mission recognizes discovery in traditional forms, such as scholarly research, intellectual curiosity, and curricular learning. But it also celebrates discovery unique to the human experience, which is lived through a desire to choose our own paths, to seek excellence in our work, and to meaningfully connect with others.”
Neema Mehta, Owen Alumni Board member, shared her own connection to the word ‘Discover’: “I went through a career change, and discovery really helped me coming out of operations and going into HR. What I love about the discovery aspect of Owen is you can make your own impact and legacy here. Discovery helped me in creating the Leadership Development Program at Owen, which is a cornerstone of the Owen experience today.”
Grow: Nurturing Personal and Professional Development
Cara Heilmann
A second pillar, “Grow,” speaks to the comprehensive development that Vanderbilt Business aims to foster in its community members. This growth is multifaceted, encompassing personal, professional, and intellectual dimensions. “We view growth as a continuous process,” Willis explained. “It’s about expanding one’s abilities and capabilities, both during and beyond the time spent at Owen.”
Dean Steenburgh underscored the importance of growth in the context of lifelong learning. “Our mission is to provide an environment where individuals can grow throughout their lives. We believe in nurturing talent and helping our students and alumni achieve their full potential. Growth doesn’t stop at graduation; it’s a lifelong journey.”
During one of the mission statement committee meetings, Cara Heilmann, Owen Alumni Board member, recounted the tremendous opportunity for growth she has received as part of the Vanderbilt Business community. She came to Owen 30 years ago, with the main goal of finding an MBA program as far away from home as possible. “I was working at a bank in Hawaii and my boyfriend asked me, ‘Have you thought of getting your MBA?’ That set me in motion. I went to the public library and found Vanderbilt. I called them, applied, got interviewed, and then accepted. I showed up in flip-flops and a tank top for this amazing opportunity, and after 30 years, I’m sitting here saying ‘wow,’ this has been an amazing journey that has changed my life.”
Megan Teepe
Thrive: Achieving Success and Well-being
The final pillar, “Thrive,” represents the culmination of discovery and growth. It signifies not just professional success, but also personal well-being and fulfillment. “Thriving is about reaching a state where one can excel and find satisfaction in their endeavors,” Willis said. “It’s about creating a positive impact on one’s community and the world.”
For Dean Steenburgh, thriving is an integral part of the Owen experience. “We aim to equip our students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This means not only achieving career success but also leading meaningful lives. We want our graduates to be leaders who inspire others and take on the world’s biggest challenges.”
Owen Alumni Board member Megan Teepe said the word “thrive” within the new mission statement really resonated with her Vanderbilt Business experience. “My experiences at Owen set me up to do things beyond what I initially envisioned I could do. The lessons I learned at Owen show up every day in my work. I carry my faculty’s words in my head and heart that I then apply in my role.”
Business and Beyond: A Broader Perspective
Tom Steenburgh
One of the most distinctive aspects of the new mission statement is its inclusion of “business and beyond.” This phrase captures the broad applicability of business principles across various sectors and endeavors. “Business permeates everything we do,” Willis explained. “It’s not just about the bottom line. Running a university, a nonprofit organization, or even a household involves business principles.”
Dean Steenburgh expanded on this idea, emphasizing the broad nature of business education. “Our graduates go on to impact a wide range of fields—from healthcare to technology, from finance to social entrepreneurship. ‘Business and beyond’ reflects our commitment to preparing students for careers in whatever field they choose. It’s about thinking broadly and understanding that the skills we teach are valuable in any context.”
Vanderbilt Business Mission Statement: A New Chapter
The new mission statement marks a significant milestone for Vanderbilt Business, reflecting both its rich history and its forward-looking vision. As Dean Steenburgh put it, “This mission statement is more than just words; it’s a declaration of who we are and what we strive to achieve. It’s a commitment to our students, our faculty, our alumni, and our broader community.”
For Richard Willis and the rest of the committee, the process of developing this mission statement was both challenging and rewarding. “It was truly an honor to be part of this effort,” Willis said. “We wanted to create something that everyone could get behind, something that would inspire and guide us for years to come.”
In this new mission statement, Vanderbilt Business has found a succinct and powerful expression of its values and aspirations. This statement will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for the school, helping to create opportunities for generations of students and professionals to discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond.
