SJU Partners with Ahold USA, Giant Food Stores for MBA Program

The Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph's University will offer its highly-acclaimed Executive Masters of Food Marketing program to associates of Ahold USA and one of its retail divisions, Giant Food Stores at the company’s support office in Carlisle, Pa. “Saint Joseph’s University is thrilled to partner with Ahold USA to deliver this unique MBA program for food industry professionals. This is an opportunity for two great institutions to partner in developing the next generation of leaders in food retailing,” says Dr. Stephen Porth, associate dean and food marketing department chair at Saint Joseph’s. “This is the same program offered to executive students by Saint Joseph's University at our Philadelphia executive campus,” said Bryant Wynes, program director. “Degree requirements and course offerings are the same. Courses will be taught by the same, well-respected faculty.” With a couple of exceptions, all courses will be taught at the Ahold USA support office in Carlisle, Pa. The courses follow the university’s unique executive format, where each course is delivered in a single Friday/Saturday session. Students have the option of also attending regular program classes in Philadelphia or online. The course of study leads students to the university’s Executive Food Marketing MBA degree. However, food marketing courses offered may also be applied to the university’s Executive Food Marketing M.S. degree or Post Graduate Certificate. The program offers food industry-specific courses that allow students to gain insight and acquire skills to take their careers to the next level. “In addition to traditional graduate business courses in management, economics and finance, program courses cover applicable topics such as food marketing strategy, consumer and trade promotions, food marketing research, food service marketing, and innovation and new product development,” says Dr. Porth, adding that Saint Joseph’s Executive Masters in Food Marketing program has graduated several students from Ahold USA and Giant Food Stores who are now senior executives with the company. During a visit to the Ahold USA support office this past spring, Wynes says that he and Laura Braley, Ahold USA senior manager, performance management and management development discussed the possibility of offering the classes to associates in Carlisle, saving them the two-hour drive to take courses at the university’s executive campus in the Philadelphia area. “Laura felt that there would be a lot of interest if we could make the program more convenient,” says Wynes. Braley also felt that there would be interest by Ahold USA and Stop & Shop associates from the support office located in Quincy, Mass., as well as among business partners with Daymon, EYC and Nielsen who were working out of the Carlisle offices.  “All of that has proven true,” adds Wynes. “We are very pleased with the response we have had,” says Stephanie Slifko, MHRM, Ahold USA learning specialist and program liaison. “It is very exciting when we are able to put together an opportunity like this for our associates that we know will serve to enhance their skills and ultimately benefit our company as well.” Wynes said that the classes in Carlisle begin in October and span two-and-a-half years, culminating with graduation in June 2018.