In 1929, as the University of Miami was establishing itself as a young institution, the School of Business Administration was founded amidst one of the most tumultuous periods in American history—the onset of the Great Depression. Yet it persisted, emerging as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and navigating through challenges.
From its earliest days, the school offered courses at the undergraduate level to students during the day, as well as evening classes with extensive offerings for people who worked during the day. Financial resources were lacking, and the student body remained small. Course offerings, limited by necessity, were conventional at first and continued so for two decades before any real expansion of academic programs could be made.
It wasn’t until 1947 that the Master of Business Administration launched with four fields of study—accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
By the latter half of the 20th century, the school solidified its position as a leading business institution, offering not only traditional courses but also programs like the Executive M.B.A. for upper middle to senior management as well as a doctoral program.
In 1980 the school found a home— the School of Business Administration Complex—through generous donations from George W. Jenkins and Elsa and William H. Stubblefield, with the construction of two buildings named after their benefactors. A 48,000- square-foot addition was added to the complex in 2000, which included graduate classrooms, the Storer Auditorium, the James W. McLamore Executive Education Center, the M.B.A. student lounge, and a state- of-the-art computer lab.
Coming into the 21st century, the school continued its trajectory of growth with the addition of M.B.A. degree programs such as the Miami Global Executive M.B.A., the Accelerated M.B.A. in Real Estate, and the Master of Health Administration. Additionally, the school began offering specialized master’s programs ranging from finance to sustainable business, among others. In 2015 it launched its online master’s program.
In 2019 the school received a transformative naming gift from Patti, B.B.A. ’57, and Allan, B.B.A. ’55, M.B.A. ’58, Ph.D. ’23, Herbert, whose deep connection to the University dates back to their time as students. This strengthened the Patti and Allan Herbert Business School’s capacity to lead in business education on a global scale, amplifying its impact and reach.
The school holds a “triple crown” accreditation status—from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); EQUIS, which recognizes business schools that are trying to make an impact beyond their domestic frontier; and the Association of MBAs accreditation (AMBA)—a feat achieved by less than 1 percent of the world’s business schools. Miami Herbert is one of only three business schools in the nation with this coveted designation.
With a rich history and a clear vision for the future, Miami Herbert Business School continues to shape the next generation of business leaders, ensuring that its centennial in 2029 will be a celebration not just of its past, but of its bright future.
Read the full issue of Miami magazine’s centennial edition online.
