A story in the March 6 edition of the Daily Illini contained allegations from an unfounded lawsuit that is disparaging the reputation of the University’s Executive MBA (EMBA) program. This lawsuit is without merit and the University has filed a motion for it to be dismissed.

We are confident that evidence presented in the legal proceedings will prove the falsehood of these claims – claims made by a former employee who was reassigned from the EMBA program and whose contract was not renewed. In fact, the former employee’s allegations are ridiculous to the point of absurdity. Especially egregious are the alleged quotes from College administrators. That the DI would print such inflammatory statements and attribute them third-hand is appalling.

Here are some facts about the program and the College of Business’s commitment to veterans.

In 2006, the College of Business launched a program to provide scholarships to U.S. military veterans who qualified for both MBA admissions and the Illinois Veteran’s Grant (IVG) program; up to 110 scholarships will be awarded over several years and among students in three MBA programs.

Currently, over 40 students across the three MBA programs are veterans benefiting from the scholarship program. Approximately sixty percent of the current Executive MBA class is made up of veterans, compared to 8.6 percent of the previous class. We have honored all commitments made to students who were accepted to be part of this year’s Executive MBA class, more than doubling the size of the Executive MBA program from 32 to 65, and we have been proud to welcome these students to the Illinois family.

The University of Illinois, the College of Business and those who lead the direction of our programs remain deeply grateful for the service of our nation’s veterans, and we are proud to have initiated a program that enables so many veterans to earn an Illinois MBA.

Our goal is to provide a high-quality education to every student we admit, and every decision we make is focused on that goal. We appreciate your support for the University of Illinois, the College of Business, and our students.

Robin Kaler

Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs