Michael F. Price College of Business

Adams Hall

The enthusiasm generated by President Boren’s leadership at OU has seen record breaking donations, large and small.  Everyone, it seems, wants to be part of the historic changes going on in Norman.  No matter where you are on campus, you will see the names of committed donors attached to important academic endeavors, renovated or expanding facilities, scholarship campaigns, and more.  The individuals, families, and foundations making these gifts are not only community-minded visionaries, but savvy business people who know the value of a good investment, and President Boren has surely demonstrated that OU is a university on the move. 

In 1997, OU alum Michael F. Price made one of those institution-altering donations with an $18 million gift to the OU Business School.  While always a fine Business School, the support of the Price gift has allowed the College—now named for Price—to reach to reach a new level of excellence.  Since this historic gift, the College has welcomed a new Dean; endowed professorships; made plenty of strong faculty hires; created innovative academic programs in sports management and entrepreneurship, among others; promoted leadership training programs; and enhanced study abroad opportunities, to name a few.   Price’s philanthropy was a catalyst for this jolt of intellectual energy.

January 2014 Price Scholars at Rockefeller Center, NYC

One of my favorite additions to the College is their Price Scholars Program.  This scholarship initiative brings a small group of outstanding students to the College to earn their MBA.  Beyond financial assistance, Scholars receive mentoring and professional support during their studies and enjoy the opportunity to work and study in New York during the summer between their first and second years of study.  While taking classes at NYU’s Stern School they participate in internships, coordinated by OU faculty, staff and alumni.   

Last December, I was pleased to host the Price Scholars at ICSC, the business trade association, where I manage leadership development and higher education programs.  In addition to a spirited discussion about real estate trends and a brainstorming session about internship opportunities in New York, we were all able to share some of our favorite OU stories.  Mr. Price has made a prudent investment, indeed.   Enjoy some of the photos from their holiday visit to the Big Apple.