MEDIA RESOURCES

DATE: September 23, 2005

CONTACT: communications@mail.cox.smu.edu

The Economist Names SMU Cox #7 in the World for “Potential to Network”

Dallas (SMU) — An MBA from SMU’s Cox School of Business opens the door to an exclusive network of business leaders that yields priceless benefits to its students.

The 2005 edition of “Which MBA?”, published this week by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranks SMU Cox as the top school in the United States ,among the top 10 MBA programs in the category “Potential to Network”. This ranking consists of three indicators:

• Breadth of alumni network (Ratio of alumni to current students)
• Internationalism of alumni (Ratio of students to overseas alumni branches)
• Alumni effectiveness (Student assessment of alumni network)

In addition to the Cox School’s international ranking from the Economist, the 2005 Fiske Guide to Colleges commends the school’s strong ties with the Dallas business community, claiming “SMU is all but the official alma mater of the Dallas business and professional elite.”

“With unparalleled networking opportunities available around the globe and in our own backyard, it’s clear that the Cox School’s roots run deep and wide,” said Albert W. Niemi, Dean of the SMU Cox School of Business. “It’s good to be recognized for our strong network and connections.”

The Network that Creates Net Worth

The Cox School is guided by one of the most impressive boards in the nation, consisting of leaders from almost every major industry and several countries. Executive Board members participate in mentoring programs, speaker series, and alumni events, ultimately enriching the educational experience of students and enhancing the value of a Cox degree. Through their tireless efforts, they help cultivate and develop industry leaders of tomorrow.

At SMU Cox, MBAs also participate in a legacy of networking unmatched by other programs. For more than 30 years, the Cox School has partnered its students with some of the area’s top executives, many of whom are also alumni. The Associate Board Executive Mentoring Program matches each student with an executive mentor, one who provides career advice, industry insight, and business contacts, all to assist and advance the student’s career goals.

About SMU Cox

SMU’s Cox School of Business offers a full range of business education programs, including BBA, full-time MBA, Professional MBA (PMBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), and Executive Education. The school also offers a number of unique resources and activities for students, ranging from its Business Leadership Center (BLC), Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, Maguire Energy Institute, and American Airlines Global Leadership Program (AAGLP) to its Associate Board Executive Mentoring Program and an international alumni network of more than 29,000. SMU Cox is ranked among the top business schools nationally and internationally by major publications, including BusinessWeek, Economist, Financial Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report.