Well-Known Business Leader Tapped as Dean of Union Graduate College MBA Program

Bela Musits to Lead School of Management

SCHENECTADY, NY --- Union Graduate College has named a well-known business executive to lead its growing MBA program. Bela Musits will join UGC as Dean of the School of Management starting September 1, 2011. Musits, 57, is a founding partner of High Peaks Venture Partners. Headquartered in Troy, the firm has raised more than $60 million for investment in start-up technology companies.

“As a highly successful and well-regarded entrepreneur, venture capitalist, corporate manager and project engineer, Bela Musits brings real world perspective and proven business acumen to Union Graduate College’s School of Management,” said Dr. Laura Schweitzer, President of Union Graduate College. “With Tech Valley on the verge of explosive growth, we wanted a Dean with a fresh outlook. Bela’s entrepreneurial instinct, hands on experience and passion for teaching are the right combination to create new opportunities for our students, programs and institution.”

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Musits has served as an adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Babson College, Schenectady Community College as well as Union Graduate College. At RPI, he directed the Incubator Program for five years. And as an engineer and researcher, Musits worked for General Electric Global Research and the IBM Corporate Research Center. Musits eventually left engineering to launch a successful technology start-up that went public in 1996.

“As an adjunct professor, I have been impressed with Union Graduate College’s MBA program and jumped at the opportunity to become more involved,” said Musits. “Helping a high-quality product reach its full potential – that’s what I do, what I thrive on. And that’s the approach I’ll take as Dean. I am honored and energized by the challenge – and look forward to getting started.”

At Union Graduate College, Musits will lead a growing MBA program with more than 300 students. Enrollment at UGC’s School of Management climbed 5% last year and it recently renewed its “gold standard” in MBA accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). UGC has the only program in the region that has also achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for its MBA in Healthcare Management.

Union Graduate College joins other MBA programs, such as University of New Haven and Boston University, who have recently tapped business leaders to serve as Dean of a management program.

“Bela Musits is an innovator – well-respected and admired throughout the business community,” said David Buicko, President, Galesi Management and Chair, Center for Economic Growth Board of Directors. “Naming him Dean of the School of Management is a coup not just for Union Graduate College but for all of us invested in economic development. I look forward to helping him succeed in his new role.”

Buicko is chairing Union Graduate College’s “2011 Scholarship Scramble” golf tournament at Eagle Crest Golf Club in Clifton Park on September 16, 2011.

Upon joining Union Graduate College on September 1, 2011, Musits will step down as Managing Director at High Peaks, remaining a Venture Partner at the firm.  He will continue to spearhead university technology commercialization efforts.

“As one of our founding partners, Bela has been instrumental in helping High Peaks Venture Partners flourish, identifying and growing important new technology companies across New York State,” said Russ Howard, Managing Director at High Peaks. “As he begins a new chapter in his career, we know Bela will use his unique skills and talents to nurture collaboration between the academic, entrepreneurial and business communities for the benefit of the entire region.”

Union Graduate College is one of just a handful of institutions across the country devoted exclusively to master’s level education. UGC opened a brand new campus in 2009, located in downtown Schenectady. In addition to management, the Graduate College offers master’s programs in education, engineering and bioethics.

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