Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 11, 2024 19 FOCUS | BUSINESS SCHOOLS are adult online learners, and more than 70% are women. That's a unique customer base compared to the average business school. Baldrige's enrollment in 2023 ranged from 5,200 to 6,000 students — a number that fluctuates because most online courses last for eight- week terms, the school said. Like UHart, Post has been trying to boost enrollment by adding new programs. In recent years, that has included new bachelor's and master's degrees in gaming and e-sports management, and a master's in busi- ness intelligence and analytics. New concentrations within the school's MBA program have included business intelligence and analytics, and finance analytics. Fisher said she will help launch a new doctor of business admin- istration program in early spring 2025. She'd also like to create more dual-degree programs that allow students to earn credits toward a master's while still enrolled in a bach- elor's degree program. Fostering partnerships with area businesses is also a priority, Fisher said. That could include creating new internship opportunities, but also direct relationships between Post University and individual companies or organizations. For example, Post University has partnered with the Connecticut/ Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs to offer its degree programs at a 50% reduced tuition rate. YMCA employees also have access to customized executive leadership programs for management. International student enrollment is also a focus area, Fisher said. The business school has students who hail from more than 15 countries. For more than 10 years, Post University has partnered with the Steinbeis School of International Business and Entrepreneurship in Germany, allowing students to pursue a German-U.S. dual degree program. "This program reflects our commit- ment to fostering global connections and providing students with unique, internationally-minded experiences to enrich their education and future careers," Fisher said. UConn student-led venture fund invests in AI technology Members of the new Hillside Ventures STEM Fund at UConn. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO By Andrew Larson alarson@hartfordbusiness.com H illside Ventures, a UConn student-led, early-stage venture fund, has invested in an AI-technology company as part of its newly formed science, technology, engineering and mathematics division. The $50,000 investment in Austin, Texas-based Siera.ai is part of Hillside Ventures' STEM Fund, which has grown from five to 30 members in one year, and now manages $1 million, said Alex Cameron, relations lead for the fund. Siera.ai develops AI-based tools for advanced vehicle safety and automation in manufacturing plants and warehouses. Its main product includes hardware and software that monitor forklift operations in an effort to minimize safety accidents. Cameron, a UConn junior majoring in mathematics and statistics, said the group holds investment board meetings every two weeks during the school year. "This is our first portfolio company, but we're hoping to make many more investments," Cameron said. "We might be investing in another company within the next month, but this is our inaugural invest- ment, which is why we're excited about it." The UConn School of Business rolled out Hillside Ventures in the fall of 2020, joining a growing number of U.S. colleges that have student-led venture funds. Hillside Ventures, which is backed by philanthropic support, gives undergraduate students the opportunity to invest in startups with guidance from faculty and alumni. It also has funds that focus on edtech, insurtech, sustainability and sports tech. Hillside Ventures has invested in about 17 portfolio companies. Source: UHart FALL 2020 1,500 1,200 900 600 300 0 FALL 2021 FALL 2022 FALL 2022 FALL 2023 FALL 2024 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GRAD STUDENTS TOTAL ENROLLMENT AT UHART'S BARNEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ENROLLMENT

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