L.L.Bean Partners with Husson University to Deliver On-Site MBA Education to Employees
BANGOR, ME – L.L.Bean and Husson University have announced that a group of 22 L.L.Bean employees has begun pursuing their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from Husson University through a workforce development initiative. As part of an agreement between the two organizations, L.L.Bean employees will participate in classes taught by Husson University professors at L.L.Bean’s corporate headquarters, beginning this month.
The program is designed to bring Husson University professors to the company in order to make pursuing an MBA degree more convenient for L.L.Bean employees. The on-site instruction and coursework will make it easier for the students to balance full-time jobs, families, and other obligations.
“We’re excited by the opportunity to offer an on-site MBA for our employees and how easy this program makes it for them to pursue their professional development, says Maureen Lafferty, director of Human Resources. Husson has been a great partner to us as we worked to get this program launched and we look forward to building that partnership as the MBA courses start this fall.”
“Bringing graduate degree opportunities to the workplace benefits both companies and their employees. Education furthers employees’ careers within the organization. Simultaneously, employers get a higher quality workforce who can take the knowledge, skills and techniques they learn in class and apply them to their jobs right away,” says Melissa Rosenberg, director of graduate admissions at Husson University.
There was significant interest by L.L.Bean employees in participating in the on-site Husson MBA program. So much, in fact, that the company had to devise a lottery system to determine who would be able to participate in the first cohort. Those who were not selected to be in the first cohort had the option to begin working toward their Husson MBA by completing classes online or attending classes at the University’s Southern Maine campus in Westbrook.
L.L.Bean students enrolled in Husson University’s MBA program are looking forward to the educational experience.
Courtney Fillmore, an L.L.Bean employee working in their human resources department said, “Working as a member of a team within the MBA program, outside of my typical workgroup, will allow me to grow and develop interpersonal relationships—both within and outside the company. Studying at Husson will give me access to a network of professionals in Maine who have completed the same MBA program that I have. I think Husson’s MBA is the ideal program to further my career aspirations and I’m looking forward to applying the knowledge I gain in the classroom to my professional development.”
“I have kept current up to this point by educating myself on topics as they arose,” says Mark Blake, L.L.Bean’s lead logistics analyst in their Customs and Trade department. “As expectations for my position have grown, I need more formal and in-depth business education to continue to advance my career. The knowledge I will gain while pursuing my MBA will be immediately applied to my day-to-day work. My Husson MBA will allow me to grow as an individual and improve my ability to better inform the business.”
L.L.Bean employee Carolyn Lefebvre is also enrolled in Husson’s MBA program. Unlike some of her fellow employees, she chose to attend class at the University’s Southern Maine campus. She appreciates the flexibility of the University’s MBA degree. “The Husson University curriculum, its various locations and its schedule of courses is a good fit for my lifestyle. I always thought that I would like to have a better grasp of organizational leadership. The courses offered within Husson’s MBA program will provide me with further formal training in my chosen career field.”
“Husson University is a smart choice for businesses looking for an educational partner to assist with attraction and retention of employees while expanding their lifelong learning options,” says Dr. Marie Hansen, dean of Husson’s College of Business. “The MBA program provides participants with the opportunity to deepen creativity and innovation in addition to expanding knowledge of organizational systems and leadership. The College of Business at Husson University is the largest in the state and we have more than 120 years of experience in providing education that leads to professional success.”
“At Husson University, we understand how a highly skilled workforce can positively impact an organization’s productivity, profitability and customers,” says Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, Husson’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We look forward to partnering with L.L.Bean as this world-class outdoor gear and apparel company strengthens their workforce through education.”
Employers who are interested in learning more about how Husson University can assist their organization with workforce development should contact Melissa Rosenberg in Graduate Admissions at 207/404-5660 or via email at rosenbergm@husson.edu.
More About Husson University
For more than 120 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online, and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells, and Northern Maine, provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. According to a recent analysis by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is the most affordable private college in New England. Husson’s MBA program is affordable, accessible and accentuates learning for career advancement. The University is Maine’s leading provider of MBA graduates. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.
More About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named chair of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service, and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean currently operates 40 stores in 17 states across the U.S., along with 27 stores in Japan.