SDSU Forms Partnership with Gallup University to
Offer Innovative Life Science MBA

Contacts:
Randy Carmical, Director of Communications
(619) 594-0206 Randy.Carmical@sdsu.edu

David Watson, PR, Gallup Online University,
(402) 938-6190 David_Watson@gallup.com

SAN DIEGO, CA, February, 21, 2007 – San Diego State University and Gallup University announced today that the two organizations have combined their expertise to develop a new MBA for Executives in Life Sciences.  The new program combines the latest academic research from a top-ranked university with the speed and business focus of a global, world-renowned consulting firm. The program is expected to begin in Q4 2007.

This unique MBA is focused on preparing executives to effectively lead healthcare product development and regulatory approval while accelerating the time to market, decreasing costs, and bringing tangible benefits to patients worldwide. The new degree builds on the success of the online MS in Regulatory Affairs and MS in Biomedical Quality Control that have been offered by SDSU, as well as the strength of other MBAs offered by Gallup University.

Gail Naughton, dean of the College of Business Administration at SDSU and a leader in the biotechnology business industry said, “With this program, our goal is to produce leaders who have an in-depth understanding of the best practices that can be used in accelerating product development and market launch of new biomedical and life science products that are critical to the improvement of health and key to the growth of the global biotech industry.”  

During the 22-month program, students will have three two-week residency periods during which they will be taught by SDSU professors face-to-face, tour local biotech facilities and receive seminars by top life science executives.  Between the course blocks, students will work with one of Gallup’s executive coaches and complete their coursework as they apply it to real life and practical work.

“California Biomedical companies invested $26 billion last year in the development of new products for unmet medical needs.  With more FDA regulations and additional investor scrutiny, the ROI on those billions must improve.  We believe that the students of this program will realize performance gains by improving the current time, cost, and success rate of bringing those and future life science products to the market,” says Matt Norquist, Global Director at Gallup University.

The program is designed to attract life science executives from across the globe and leverage the strength of San Diego as a biotech leader.  San Diego is known as “the best city to do biotech” and it has the most geographically dense cluster of biotech companies in the U.S.  There are 499 biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the region with an annual payroll of $1.5 billion.

Those who wish to join an interest list to learn about new developments with this program should register at http://sciencemba.sdsu.edu.

About Gallup University
Gallup University is one of the world’s leading providers of management education to individuals and organizations.  They provide life-long learning experiences for managers, leaders, sales professionals and employees through their online and classroom courses.  Their curriculum builds on Gallup’s extensive research into managing customer and employee assets and the factors that drive superior individual and organizational performance.

About the College of Business Administration – Leadership for the Global Marketplace
With over 6,000 students, the SDSU College of Business is one of the largest business schools in the U.S. Its programs in international business and graduate entrepreneurship are ranked among the top programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu/business.

About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degree in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s more than 34,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.