Description
Book SynopsisThe book answers the questions of how and where America educates its leading chief executive officers. Where are America's top executives educated? What do they study? Do they typically attend the nation's most elite colleges? Or do they, like millions of other students, choose colleges because of reasons like proximity, cost, and state pride? How important are advanced degrees to their success? Is the MBA a prerequisite for becoming a CEO? I address these questions based on a study of 344 of the country's highest profile CEOs selected to represent a wide range of organizations and businesses.The book will establish a theme that the majority of America''s most high-powered CEOs did not attend elite colleges/universities or earn an MBA or graduate from highly selective institutions. Certainly, a significant number did so and were advantaged by the opportunity, but more often they were able to fashion for themselves a high-quality education at a rich array of institutions- publicandpriv
Trade ReviewNietzel’s study of CEO education confirms the advantages provided by elite education but more importantly, reaffirms the importance of public higher education at non-elite universities, not just for providing education for our democracy but for producing some of our nation’s finest leaders and entrepreneurs. -- Terry Birdwhistell, Dean of Libraries and William T. Young Chiar, William T. Young Libraries
Nietzel’s comprehensive study of CEO education highlights the formative impact that many colleges and universities have on the nation’s leading chief executives. The idea that a college education has value in our society is well understood, but the notion that many successful executives and business leaders received their training not from the highest-ranked institutions, but from foundational colleges and universities is a reality we should all think of as we plan for the future. -- Jeremy Anderson, President, Education Commission of the States
Mike Nietzel’s exhaustive research and analysis clearly concludes that those seeking success in business and myriad other fields are perhaps best served by attending ‘non-marque’ universities. This book is a must-read for college-aged students and public policymakers – who would learn a lot about value and quality. -- Tom George, Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter One: Prestigious College and Power Executives Chapter Two: Elected CEOs Chapter Three: Dow 30 and Fortune 500 CEOs Chapter Four: Foundation Executives Chapter Five: Military Chief Executives Chapter Six: Media Executives Chapter Seven: Presidents and Chancellors Chapter Eight: A Campus Guide to CEO U
