Preparing the Next Generation of Business Leaders

In 1919, against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world economy, Baylor President Samuel Palmer Brooks forged a vision of a business school that would train the next generation of business leaders. Brooks believed that a high-quality business education, grounded in Christian faith, would provide the nation with business leaders who would excel and do good in the world. As America fought its way out of economic uncertainty, President Brooks persisted in his vision, and in 1923 the School of Commerce and Business Administration enrolled its first class at Baylor.

The creation of the school expanded the curriculum and academic opportunities that not only raised the academic standing of the University but also fostered a context for preparing Christian leaders in the business realm. 

In 1959, the school gained full membership in the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — a distinction attained by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide. That same year, the school was named for Earl Hankamer, a generous donor who supported construction of the school’s first building and member of Baylor’s Board or Regents.

The Hankamer School of Business has become one of the top-ranked schools in the nation. The 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings placed the Hankamer School of Business at No. 62 for Best Overall Undergraduate Business Programs and, within the school, the entrepreneurship academic program is highly ranked No. 8 with accounting at No. 38. Also among the U.S. News rankings, Baylor’s full-time M.B.A. program is ranked No. 60 overall, highlighted by the graduate program in entrepreneurship in the top 10 in the nation. 

From the beginning, Baylor’s business school has been guided by Christian values and driven by a mission to cultivate principled leaders who thrive in a culture of innovation and are prepared to serve the global marketplace.

These values are demonstrated by students, faculty and staff, and beyond Baylor’s campus by alumni and Christian business leaders throughout the world. Programs like the Christian Leadership in Business Scholarship Program and the annual Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit, supported by alumni Joseph and Kelly Armes, aim to empower Christian leaders in the business world. 

In addition, successful alumni like Bill Baker, CEO of Nextlink Internet; Thasunda Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA; Sarah Kennedy Ellis, VP-Global Growth & Demand at Google Cloud; and Mike Gathright, Sr. VP, Customer Excellence and Innovation at Hilton, give back to the school through service on the Hankamer Advisory Board. Their strategic counsel informs programs and majors that ensure Baylor Business grads have the leadership skills to succeed today and for the future.