From the President

It’s safe to say Harry C. Bentley never envisioned virtual reality (VR) or artificial intelligence (AI). But in 1917, when he founded his school in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Bentley had identified an emerging need created by the new CPA exam and updates to the corporate tax code — changes that increased the market demand for professionals with a business education.

What we today call Bentley University was born. More than 100 years later, Bentley continues to adapt to — and be a leader in — a changing marketplace, from new research that employs cinematic VR to innovative majors in AI and financial technology. And from recently launched efforts such as the Bentley Center for Health and Business and Entrepreneurship Hub to the new Bentley Social Innovation Incubator, which will open soon.

Innovation. Adaptation. Forward thinking.

That’s why it’s exciting to imagine what the work lives of today’s Bentley students might look like in 10, 15 or 20 years. We are continually evolving our curriculum to ensure that students enter the work world with the tools and skills they need to thrive. But we are also taking a longer-range view to position and adapt our university to best serve our students decades from now, as we continue to bring our Falcons Forward 2030 strategic plan to life.

Envisioning invites imagination. And when we align our vision with our mission and positive Bentley values, we can harness incredible power to move us— all of us — toward a better outcome.

None of us know for sure what the work world of the future will look like. But I predict that both Bentley and our students will be up to the challenge. After all, we’ve been preparing leaders for the evolving marketplace and shaping the future of business education since our founding over a century ago.

I think Harry Bentley would be proud of where we’re headed.