Dean Jonathan Levin 2024 GSB Spring Reunion Address

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)

• The GSB has an excellent faculty, a diverse student body, and strong admissions statistics.
• The school is expanding its reach through global programs, online offerings, and executive education.
• The Business, Government, and Society initiative aims to address societal issues through new classes, collaborations, and research projects.
• The GSB community is known for its open-mindedness, curiosity, and commitment to dialogue.

Dean's Remarks

• The Dean expressed gratitude for the support of students, faculty, and staff during a challenging year.
• A search committee will be formed to appoint the next Dean.
• The Dean praised the strong leadership team and overall positive state of the school.
• He will become Stanford's 13th president on August 1st and is excited about the opportunity.
• He emphasized the transformative impact of Stanford on his life and the constant inspiration he finds on campus.
• He acknowledged the current challenges in higher education but reaffirmed his belief in the mission of Stanford and its peer institutions.

Stanford's Culture and Community

• Stanford GSB has a culture of being supportive and open-minded.
• The school has become more diverse in terms of the backgrounds and experiences of its students.
• Stanford is committed to creating a strong pluralistic community despite the diverse range of students.
• The school has successfully fostered cross-functional collaboration through partnerships like the one with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

Admissions and Financial Aid

• The Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action has led to changes in the admissions process, with admissions officers now blinded to race and ethnicity.
• Stanford remains committed to having a broadly diverse class and providing generous financial aid.
• Stanford's financial aid system is based on income and assets, making it more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
• The school has increased financial aid by 50% and implemented a program to support students from less affluent backgrounds.

Global Engagement

• Stanford has strong connections with China and has organized events such as the China Forum to foster collaboration and understanding.
• Despite political tensions, Stanford believes it is essential for universities to engage with China to promote dialogue and mutual understanding.

Role of Universities

• American universities play a vital role as engines of innovation and places of learning, producing leaders and citizens who contribute to society.
• Universities should focus on their core mission of fostering discovery and learning, avoiding political controversies and social justice issues.
• By articulating and consistently following these principles, universities can rebuild trust and strengthen their position in society.