› News Release

MSGL Graduates First Cohort in Las Vegas

A new class of global business leaders graduated from the University of San Diego’s School of Business Administration on Saturday, July 19, 2008. Eighteen graduates, most of whom are U.S. Air Force officers from Nellis Air Force Base, completed their final week of classes and each received a Master of Science in Global Leadership (MSGL) and a certificate in Project Management.

Several of the recent graduates are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terror and many others have served overseas previously.

This was the first Las Vegas area cohort for the MSGL program. USD faculty members traveled to Las Vegas to hold class sessions periodically throughout the 16-month program. Much of the coursework was completed online.

Major Jared Johnson was chosen as the student speaker by his cohort-mates. After having seen different leadership styles over the years, I found this program particularly valuable because we took a step back to objectively analyze leadership concepts,” said Johnson.“I also enjoyed learning how to take a business strategy from an abstract idea to practical implementation, while considering the complex structural needs for a successful change within the organization.”

Retired Navy Captain Jerry Singleton was the guest speaker for the commencement ceremony. Previously, Captain Singleton was the Commanding Officer of the San Diego Naval ROTC Unit and was instrumental in helping develop the MSGL program. The graduation ceremony was held at the picturesque Red Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

Since 1999 more than 400 students have graduated from the MSGL program.  Many of the private sector students receive generous scholarship from their employers, while the U.S. Navy has recognized the MSGL program for its Graduate Education Voucher program, providing scholarships for a number of Navy Officers to participate each year.

For more information on the MSGL program, go to  www.sandiego.edu/msgl