UCLA Anderson Launches Technology Management Center: MBA News

By Tim Dhoul Updated Sep 17, 2019

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Introduction
‘A need for leaders in technology’ behind gifts to UCLA Anderson

New technology management center at UCLA Anderson

QS's guide to MBA specializations in information technology

As London revels in a week-long celebration of the UK capital’s technology sector, a US business school known for its links to the tech industry in Los Angeles and beyond, UCLA Anderson, is looking to expand technology opportunities for its students, as well as those across the wider UCLA campus, with the launch of a new technology center.

The Easton Technology Management Center expands the scope of the existing Easton Technology Leadership Program, a program first formulated in 2009 with the intention of helping students with technical and engineering backgrounds to develop business leadership skills.

Currently there are more than 400 UCLA students registered with the program, which runs academic electives in addition to events and workshops that are open to all. For its events and activities, the program collaborates closely with the High Tech Business Association (HTBA) – one of the largest student-run clubs at UCLA Anderson.

Indeed, the school says that 30% of its class of 2016 will intern with technology firms this summer and this expansion is designed to ensure that students from both technical and non-technical backgrounds can access the latest research and teaching approaches in technology management.

‘A need for leaders in technology’ behind gifts to UCLA Anderson

The center was made possible by gifts totaling US$11 million from James (Jim) L Easton – an engineering graduate of UCLA and now chairman and CEO of one of the world’s largest sports equipment manufacturers, Easton Sports, Inc. Easton was also responsible for the technology leadership program’s original establishment:

“I saw a need for leaders in technology, engineering and manufacturing, with knowledge and talent to create innovative products, who would benefit from UCLA Anderson by learning skills in management, communication and negotiation to run their companies,” Easton said in a press release.

The school’s dean, Judy Olian, meanwhile, paid tribute to Easton – who has served on UCLA Anderson’s board of visitors since 1988 – and his ongoing commitment to students who have their eyes fixed on management careers in the technology industry:

“With the creation of the Easton Technology Management Center, Jim expands the impact of his vision by positioning our students to lead and drive change in the rapidly changing tech landscape of California and the world,” Olian said.

It is hoped that the center can also generate closer ties between Anderson and UCLA’s engineering and medical schools, as well as industry professionals, as it seeks to become a research hub and platform for teaching innovations in technology management and leadership.

Written by

Tim Dhoul

Tim is a writer with a background in consumer journalism and charity communications. He trained as a journalist in the UK and holds degrees in history (BA) and Latin American studies (MA).