Menlo College Students Gain Global Business Insight Through Academic Global Immersion Program in the UAE Posted on January 27, 2026February 27, 2026 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – January 27, 2026 – Students from Menlo College recently returned from an intensive international learning experience as part of the College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program, a short-term study abroad course designed to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Held from January 3-18, the program took students to the United Arab Emirates, with immersive academic and professional experiences across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Guided by Menlo College Business School faculty, the AGI program blends classroom instruction with hands-on engagement in global business environments. Students explored key topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, analytics, and financial technology while visiting global companies and engaging directly with leaders from the private, public, academic, and government sectors. The structure allowed students to connect theory with practice while gaining firsthand exposure to international market dynamics. A major highlight of the program was an official reception in Abu Dhabi, during which the student delegation met with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. He underscored the UAE’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and commended Menlo College’s AGI program as a forward-looking model that integrates academic knowledge with real-world application. Group photo at DP World after a wonderful buffet catered by Emirates. For students, the meeting offered a powerful perspective on values-driven leadership. “My meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan reinforced a vital truth: leadership is not defined by status, but by a profound sense of responsibility to serve and a relentless commitment to creating meaningful impact,” said Menlo College student Ananyaa Vengurlekar, majoring in AI & Analytics. Reflecting on the broader global significance of the conversation, Menlo College student Kaiqi Yu, a Marketing major, added, “My conversation with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan left a lasting impression: in an increasingly divided world, unity and shared humanity remain essential to building a better global future.” Throughout the program, students participated in site visits to leading institutions and companies spanning finance, technology, energy, and real estate. These collaborative experiences offered students practical insight into how global organizations operate within fast-growing markets. For many students, the opportunity to combine professional exposure with cultural immersion was especially impactful. “Dubai offered an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion alongside direct exposure to the international business landscape,” said Menlo College student Kenzie Finken who is majoring in Finance. “We were welcomed with exceptional hospitality and had the rare chance to engage with industry leaders who generously shared their insights and answered our questions.” She added that she was especially inspired by the UAE’s innovative spirit, noting a palpable sense of ambition, creativity, and forward-thinking energy throughout the region. Kenzie Finken on the 73rd floor of the future Cavalli tower with DAMAC. Beyond business and academics, the AGI program allowed students to broaden their worldviews and build meaningful connections within the Gulf region. By combining rigorous academics and cross-cultural engagement, Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion program continues to prepare students for success in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn more about Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion program. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College School of Business Earns AACSB Reaccreditation, Reaffirming Its Global Excellence in Business Education Posted on July 11, 2025July 11, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – July 9, 2025 — Menlo College is proud to share that its School of Business has once again earned reaccreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation reflects more than just meeting global standards — it represents passion, innovation, and dedication to shaping an academic environment to prepare future business leaders to succeed and make an impact, a commitment shared by faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike. “Earning accreditation from AACSB is a significant milestone,” said Steven A. Weiner, President of Menlo College. “It’s a powerful endorsement of the excellence of our academic programs, the dedication and expertise of our faculty, and the shared vision that drives our entire community. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped and contributed to this achievement.” Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business, echoed that sentiment: “This recognition validates the purpose-driven work we do every day—preparing agile, ethical, and globally minded business leaders. We take pride in building a business school that is both relevant and exceptional in an ever-evolving global landscape. We are also deeply grateful to the members of our Board of Trustees and Dean’s Executive Advisory Council, and the dedicated faculty and staff whose guidance, expertise, and mentorship are essential to our continued success.” The AACSB review team specifically highlighted Menlo’s student-focused learning, hands-on educational approach, and deep connections with the business world. These elements are the foundation of Menlo’s mission and reflect its core belief: that great business education combines academic rigor with real-world relevance. Since first earning AACSB accreditation in 2014, Menlo has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of students and the global economy. Over the last 18 months, the School of Business introduced two new graduate programs—a Master of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Science in FinTech. And Menlo recently launched an enhanced, forward-looking undergraduate B.S. in AI and Analytics. Menlo’s renewed AACSB accreditation not only reaffirms its place among the world’s leading business schools—it also enhances the value of a Menlo degree for current students, alumni, employers, and academic partners worldwide. To learn more about Menlo College School of Business and its AACSB-accredited programs, visit www.menlo.edu. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo CollegeLocated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a premier institution dedicated to business education. With a strong focus on personalized learning and hands-on experience, Menlo empowers students to lead, innovate, and excel in today’s dynamic global economy.
Menlo College Professors Featured in National WalletHub Articles Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College professors Sean Pradhan and Lan Jiang were recently featured in WalletHub articles, offering expert insights on topics ranging from professional hockey to premium credit cards. It’s always great to see Menlo faculty lending their voices to timely conversations in the broader world of business. Dr. Sean Pradhan, Associate Professor of Sports Management and Business Analytics in the School of Business Administration, shared his expertise on professional hockey and fan engagement in WalletHub’s feature on the Best Cities for Hockey Fans. Dr. Pradhan addressed current challenges facing the NHL, particularly declining viewership, and highlighted ways the league could build stronger connections with younger audiences through better marketing of its athletes and increased access to games. He also provided practical tips for hockey fans looking to enjoy the sport affordably, from choosing weekday games to exploring minor league and college-level matchups. Dr. Lan Jiang, Professor of Marketing, contributed insights to WalletHub’s coverage of The Platinum Card® from American Express. Dr. Jiang discussed the considerations consumers should weigh before choosing a credit card with a high annual fee, emphasizing the importance of aligning card benefits with personal spending habits. She also noted how a well-targeted rewards system can deliver value to cardholders while benefiting both the card issuer and affiliated partners like Uber. These interviews underscore the depth of expertise housed within Menlo College’s faculty and the College’s commitment to preparing students for careers that are not only informed by academic rigor but also shaped by industry relevance. Both Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Jiang actively integrate real-world trends and data into their teaching, ensuring that Menlo students are equipped to think critically and act decisively in today’s innovation-driven economy. Menlo College congratulates both professors on being featured and appreciates their continued efforts to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Read the full Wallethub articles here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-hockey-fans/13283#expert=Sean_Pradhan https://wallethub.com/d/american-express-platinum-219c#expert=lan_jiang Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready. The College is also proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
