URochester Simon and SUNY Geneseo Celebrate New Partnership
The 4+1 pathway expands access and career opportunities.
University of Rochester Simon Business School and SUNY Geneseo officially marked a new chapter in their shared commitment to student success with a ceremonial signing on campus, which celebrated a new Business Master’s Pathway (4+1) partnership.
The event brought together institutional leaders, faculty, staff, and students to recognize the collaboration, which creates a streamlined path for SUNY Geneseo students to pursue a graduate business degree through Simon’s 4+1 Business Master’s Pathway program.
Accelerated pathway to a graduate business degree
The program allows students to earn a specialized master’s degree in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing analytics, business analytics, or artificial intelligence in business in just one year after completing their undergraduate studies. Participants also benefit from early admission, a guaranteed tuition scholarship, and access to Simon’s career management resources.
Simon leaders highlight access and opportunity
Mitchell Lovett, interim dean of Simon Business School, emphasized that the collaboration is rooted in removing barriers and creating opportunity.
“We’re giving talented students a clear, affordable, and efficient pathway to a top-ranked business education,” Lovett said. “We’re proud to partner with SUNY Geneseo on this initiative.”
Lovett also noted that the partnership reflects Simon’s focus on building “dynamic connections”—bringing together institutions, ideas, and people to create meaningful opportunities for students and the broader region.
Nicole S. Sampson, provost of the University of Rochester, added, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education. A Simon education allows students to develop the analytical thinking and real-world experience to make an impact in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”
Collaboration built through cross-institutional partnership
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two institutions and was spearheaded through cross-institutional efforts involving admissions and academic leadership. Leaders highlighted how those connections helped bring the partnership to life in a relatively short time frame.
Mary Toale, provost and vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Geneseo, underscored the importance of expanding access and supporting student success through innovative pathways.
“I was the first in my family to attend college. I know what a difference it makes when an institution opens a door for a student and walks alongside them as they step through it. The pathways we are formalizing today do exactly that,” said Toale.
Supporting workforce development in the region
In addition to creating a more efficient route to graduate education, the partnership is expected to support regional workforce development by connecting highly skilled graduates with local employers and strengthening the pipeline of business talent.
Student Success Highlights the Impact of the Program
The event also highlighted the real-world impact of the pathway through current student success. Ajaybir Singh, a SUNY Geneseo graduate who will complete his MS in Finance at Simon this May, was recognized as an example of the opportunities the program creates. During his time at Simon, Singh has been actively involved in the Simon School Venture Fund and the Finance Investment Club.
Expanding Graduate Education Access
Simon Business School is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the United States and is widely recognized for its strong return on investment and career outcomes. Through partnerships like this one, the school continues to expand access to its rigorous, data-driven graduate programs.
As the ceremony concluded, leaders from both institutions expressed optimism about the future of the collaboration and its potential to create lasting value for students, institutions, and the broader community.
Rigorous Thinking.
Real Transformation.
Simon Business School develops analytical thinkers and adaptive problem-solvers who lead people, ideas, and industries into the future.