Dean's Welcome

It is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to be part of Sabancı University, which has celebrated over 25 years of impactful achievements in various fields. Since its founding, our university has aimed to become a world-class research institution. Despite its relatively young age, it continues to make a meaningful difference and shape the future. As members of Sabancı Business School, we take pride in being a vital part of this success.

We started our educational journey with two master's programs and a doctoral program. Today, we continue to grow and progress with our undergraduate program, double majors, and professional master's degrees. The steadily increasing number of students in our professional master's programs over the past 25 years is the best evidence that our programs adapt to the changing needs of society and the business world. We have achieved AACSB accreditation for our quality three times, a distinction held by only 6% of business schools worldwide. Our faculty, ranked among the best business schools in Europe by the Financial Times, has consistently improved its position in the QS rankings over the years. Our MBA, Executive MBA, Business Analytics, and Marketing master's programs have been recognized as the top programs in Turkiye between 2018 and 2024.

Enhancing our international collaborations has become a key objective. Our strategic partnerships allow Executive MBA students to participate in leadership courses at Columbia Business School each year since 2016.

Behind these successes are our 44 full-time faculty members with international experience, academic expertise, and specialized knowledge in various sectors. This dedicated academic team, which trains future leaders, also develops pioneering programs that integrate multiple disciplines. A notable example is the Data Science and Analytics Undergraduate Program, which we offer in collaboration with our other two faculties and is distinguished by its cutting-edge curriculum. 

By further advancing our understanding of social responsibility, we have placed sustainability at the core of our focus, alongside digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and business analytics. Our newly launched Sustainability Minor Program reinforces our interdisciplinary approach. As a first in Turkiye, we have introduced a course on Disaster Awareness and Relief Management in our curriculum. We recognize that earthquakes cause not only immediate destruction but also have long-lasting social and economic impacts. With this awareness, we are educating our students to be sensitive, prepared, and solution-oriented individuals ready to tackle future crises.

By organizing events that extend beyond academic boundaries, we have made knowledge accessible to society. In 2024, we held a sustainability workshop in collaboration with the Strategic Management Society, attracting over 100 domestic and international guests. Under the leadership of our finance group, we launched the first-ever 'Sustainability in Finance' workshop in Turkiye. Additionally, we focused on AI-driven topics during the fourth edition of our Business Analytics Workshop, bringing together leading figures from both academia and the business world in this field.

At our Finance Excellence Center, we strive to create a strong connection between academia and the financial sector. Through the Corporate Governance Forum, we conduct important research on climate change, gender equality, ethics, and sustainability, thereby contributing to social and economic development.

Our Executive Development Unit supports the growth of managers through a variety of corporate and individual programs, reflecting our commitment to lifelong learning. Our training programs are designed for professionals who want to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape and enhance their leadership skills. As a result, we continue to lead in executive education and improve our position in global rankings.

The world is undergoing a great wave of change. Learning to live with uncertainty has become a necessity for both individuals and the business world. We, too, bear the responsibility of training the future leaders who can make a positive impact in this changing and uncertain environment, and guide society with their knowledge and vision.

At Sabancı Business School, we are committed to moving forward with determination, fully aware of this responsibility.

Here’s to many more 25 years to be written together!

Ayşegül Toker
Dean
Sabancı Business School