Message from Steve Elias, Dean, Katz School of Business

Dean of Katz School of Business

With great pleasure, I introduce you to the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College, a distinguished institution since its inception of four-year programs in 1962. The Katz School aims to empower fundamental transformation, and we promise to help you discover your place. We make our purpose and promise a reality through our values, which include inspiring the individual, connecting the community, and innovating for impact.
 
Renamed in January 2024 to the Katz School of Business, our school has consistently emphasized quality education, earning Fort Lewis College the distinction of being the first public liberal arts college with AACSB International accredited undergraduate-only business programs. This prestigious accreditation, a symbol of excellence in business education, has been continuously maintained by the School since 1974, a testament to its enduring commitment to high standards.

Our small class sizes, ranging from 15 to 30 students, ensure personalized learning experiences in all business courses, from core essentials to specialized upper-division subjects. Our faculty, experienced and devoted to student success, lead all classes, providing an undergraduate-focused learning environment. This aligns with Fort Lewis College’s interdisciplinary approach to education, fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

The Katz School of Business offers degree programs in Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship & Small Business. Within Business Administration, students can focus on finance, international business, hospitality and tourism, and management, among other areas. Recent additions include ski operations and digital marketing certificate programs, enhancing our diverse curriculum. Moreover, hands-on learning opportunities abound, from internships to business plan competitions and opportunities to work with excellent industry partners such as NASA and Lockheed Martin.

Our faculty are not just educators; they bring valuable industry experience and active research into their teaching. Supported by a dedicated administrative staff, including academic advisors and career counselors, the Katz School of Business is committed to nurturing student success, as evidenced by numerous awards earned by faculty and staff.

We prepare students for the globalized business world by embracing local and global business perspectives. Many faculty members have international experience, enriching our curriculum with global insights. Students can engage in traditional semester-long international programs or participate in our unique summer session abroad, where they study with a cohort led by our faculty in international locations.

Our School stands out in preparing students for their future business careers. We encourage you to explore what the Katz School of Business offers and are confident you will find it an exemplary place for your business education.

Dr. Steven Elias
Dean
Katz School of Business