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Who We Are

The John M. and Mary Jo Boler College of Business

The Boler College of Business has a storied history. In 1934, the Department of Business Administration was established in the College of Arts and Sciences to provide professional training for students aspiring to positions of responsibility in the business world. In 1945, it grew into the School of Business and was named in honor of John M. and Mary Jo Boler in 1996. In 2018, after the Bolers’ outstanding continuing support, the school was rededicated as the John M. and May Jo Boler College of Business.

Despite the name changes over the years, the Boler College has been and will continue to be an advocate for a new generation of business leaders who are committed to solving the world’s biggest problems. We’re here to help you develop new approaches to business education, integrate data-driven insights into management practices, and provide innovative paths to graduation for bright minds who want to make a difference in the world.

Our History

The Boler College of Business at John Carroll University was founded on the Jesuit tradition of educational excellence. We strive to instill a passion in each of our students so they leave John Carroll ready to make a difference in business and in the world.

  • 1886: The College opens under the name Saint Ignatius College.
  • 1923: College’s name changes to John Carroll University to commemorate the Jesuit who became the first bishop of the United States.
  • 1934: The Business Administration faculty established in College of Arts and Sciences.
  • 1935: John Carroll University relocates to its current Cleveland suburb location in University Heights which includes an official Department of Business Administration.
  • 1945: Department expands into the College of Business, Economics and Government.
  • 1957: The department’s name officially changes to School of Business.
  • 1974: The College adds Graduate Programs in Business and initiates the Masters of Business Administration Program.
  • 1984:  Established the Edward J. and Louise E. Mellen Chair in Finance
  • 1984:  Established The Standards Products – Dr James S. Reid Endowed Chair in Management
  • 1988: The College is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • 1989: An endowment-funded renovation of the College of Business takes place, adding the Bruening Hall wing.
  • 1990: Established the KPMG Professorship in Accountancy.
  • 1994: The Department of Accountancy receives AACSB Accreditation.
  • 1995: The College of Business celebrates its 50th anniversary.
  • 1996: The College honors the generosity of John M. and Mary Jo Boler by renaming itself the John M. and Mary Jo Boler College of Business.
  • 1998:  Established the Kahl Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship.
  • 1999:  Established the Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship.
  • 2001: The first Commencement of the Masters of Science in Accountancy graduate business program takes place.
  • 2004: The M.B.A. program celebrates its 30th anniversary.
  • 2008:  Established the Mulwick Scholars and the Wasmer Fellows program.
  • 2011:  Established the Koch Chair in International Business.
  • 2014:  Boler College of Business launches a Masters in Laboratory Management in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic.
  • 2012:  Established the Raymond & Eleanor Smiley Endowed Chair in Business Ethics.
  • 2015:  Established the Robert T. Sullens Endowed Professorship
  • 2016:  Celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Naming of the Boler College of Business with a symposium on sustainable business.
  • 2020: Launched the Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Online M.B.A.

The University places primary emphasis on instructional excellence. It recognizes the importance of research in teaching as well as in the development of the teacher. In keeping with its mission, the University especially encourages research that assists the various disciplines in offering solutions to the problems of faith in the modern world, social inequities, and human needs.

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Join Us At Boler

We pride ourselves on doing things differently. A Boler education ensures that your degree is more than a piece of paper; it is the platform to launch your purpose, an invitation to join a prestigious network of professionals, amd an opportunity to serve as a catalyst for change.