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Thunderbird Vision 2020

Global Leadership for Global Impact


~ OUR MISSION ~

We educate global leaders who create sustainable prosperity worldwide

~ OUR VISION ~

We will dramatically grow our positive impact in a world economy in dire need of the global leadership talent we were founded to provide

The Thunderbird Way - We Believe...

Vision 2020: Global Prosperity

Global Prosperity

Global business can be a powerful source of economic prosperity and human development around the world. Global managers help businesses make a difference by leading people and managing resources across the world to create long-term value that no single individual or nation can create alone.


Vision 2020: Global Leadership

Global Leadership

To lead effectively, global managers need to have a global mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit. They must combine solid business acumen with an equally strong understanding of global affairs, cultures and languages. Also, they must be true global citizens, committed to the highest ethical standards and dedicated to creating real long-term value for their organizations and the communities they touch.


Vision 2020: Global Learning

Global Learning

Global leaders are best developed in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, multicultural, practice-oriented learning environment, which must be constantly enhanced through academic research and pedagogical innovation.


Vision 2020: Global Community

Global Community of Learning and Practice

Successful global management practice requires ongoing learning, inspiration and collaboration with others, via multiple platforms of professional development and exchange. We see Thunderbird not as a school one graduates from but a community of life-long learning and practice one graduates into.


The Thunderbird QuestionWhat can global leaders do to create sustainable prosperity worldwide?

Global leaders share their views...


Now more than ever... The world needs T-Birds

The rapid spread of globalization has greatly increased the complexity of management decisions and has created a global economy in which the fortunes of individuals, businesses, and societies are inextricably linked. As the paradigm for global business evolves, the world desperately needs individuals who can navigate this complex global landscape and create sustainable value for their organizations, communities, and the world. Thunderbird, by virtue of its heritage, expertise, and entrepreneurial vision, is uniquely positioned to meet this growing need for global leaders who can manage the challenges of an increasingly inter-connected world.


Strategic Priorities

Leverage Our Unique Strengths

Thunderbird's unique approach to global leadership conveys a strong competitive advantage. To meet growing global demand for our expertise, we will build on this advantage by (i) staying true to our foundational beliefs, (ii) investing in our academic core, (iii) enhancing our unique multi-disciplinary learning environment, (iv) building our financial base, and (v) strengthening our thought leadership at the nexus of global business, global affairs and global leadership.

Innovate for Scale and Impact

Dramatic improvements in educational technologies and the growth of non-traditional educational models have reshaped the higher education market. Drawing from its innate entrepreneurialism, Thunderbird will capitalize on this changed environment through the use of new business models, cutting-edge education and information technologies, expanded partnerships, and innovative funding structures to increase scale and reach, generate new resources and maximize its impact in the world.

Expand Our Expertise in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets are projected to be the main growth engine of the global economy over the next decade. To both capture this market opportunity and reflect the shifting global business landscape, Thunderbird will develop new knowledge and insights about business in emerging economies that will prepare managers to navigate the growing complexities of a dynamic global economy.

Strengthen Our Global Community

For Thunderbird to have true global impact, it must create meaningful linkages that connect the entire Thunderbird community. For this purpose, Thunderbird will become a platform for information, inspiration and interaction for practicing global managers throughout their professional careers. Students will not graduate out of Thunderbird, but into a life-long community of collaboration, learning and practice.