Tuck Expands MBA Council

Strengthening representation across industries, class years, and geographies, the revamped Council—which recently grew from 24 to 51 members—includes alumni with accomplished careers in technology, marketing, investment banking, private equity and venture capital, consulting, health care, and professional sports. 

Dean Matthew J. Slaughter and MBA Council Chair Caryn Nightengale T’02 believe the Council’s growth will enhance opportunities for connection among members and enable the school to better leverage their collective wisdom and expertise. 

“The MBA Council continues to be an incredible source of inspiration and perspective for Tuck’s leadership team,” says Slaughter. “We are delighted to welcome each of these new members as we work together to chart an even stronger future for our school.”

For more than two decades, the MBA Council has provided the dean and other school leaders with advice and perspective on issues related to the MBA curriculum, admissions, career development, and alumni engagement, among other areas. With the expanded membership in place, the Council plans to focus even more on Tuck’s core MBA program in the months ahead.  

“The variety of backgrounds, expertise, and insights that are represented within the Council will allow us to better recognize and meet the needs of our entire MBA community,” says Nightengale. “I am thrilled we have such a talented and committed group ready to contribute.”

New members of the MBA Council are appointed by Dean Slaughter and recognized for their experience in business leadership, diversity of industry, and advocacy/leadership in their communities, as well as for their knowledge, support, and engagement with the Tuck School. 

Each member of the Council is invited to serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms (i.e. six years) with the exception of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to the school as determined by the dean. The current vice chair of the MBA Council is Rick Cardenas T’98 and ex-officio members include the dean of the Tuck School and the associate dean of the MBA program.

The Council meets twice annually, typically once in Hanover and once at an alternate location. The decision to regularly hold meetings in locations outside of campus was motivated by a desire to “learn by looking outward,” convening in places where alumni are making an impact professionally and in their communities. 

The revamped Council met for the first time on November 15 at the Condé Nast world headquarters in New York City. During the meeting, members received a school update, including insights on admissions and career services. Senior Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning Joseph Hall also led a discussion on how Tuck is engaging the topic of artificial intelligence and its expanding influence as a disruptive force in the business world.

Most recently, the Council convened in Hanover on April 4–5. The spring gathering began with a community Tuck ’Tails reception shared with current students, faculty, and staff. A full day two agenda included an update on mental health and wellness initiatives followed by a robust discussion on Tuck Dialogues, a community project that promotes Tuck's mission to develop wise, decisive leaders by helping community members improve their ability to navigate and lead difficult conversations..   

In addition to keeping up-to-date on key topics of relevance for today’s MBA students, Nightengale says the first two meetings have been a valuable opportunity for members to get to know one another by sharing their own stories, excitement, and curiosities about Tuck. 

“To me, that’s the beauty of the Council,” she says. “There are so many diverse perspectives, and it is always powerful to hear about what people are doing in the world and the pivotal role that Tuck has played in their life.”