HISTORY & TRADITION

In 1946, the Congregation of Holy Cross accepted the invitation of Bishop William J. Hafey of Scranton to begin an independent four year college for men in Wilkes-Barre. Through its courses of study, sons of coal miners and men returning from the war were to be given a broad-based liberal education in the Catholic tradition that was to provide intellectual, moral and spiritual preparation to assist them in leading satisfying and purposeful lives. In the words of its founding President, Father James Connerton, CSC, "King’s teaches students not only how to make a living, but how to live." As years passed and the college flourished, the mission of the school continued to educate countless numbers of first generation college students.

The William G. McGowan School of Business was established in 1990 and is named in honor of the late William G. McGowan '52, founder and CEO of MCI Communications Corporation. William G. McGowan's vision, energy and achievement distinguished him as a leader in the world of business and in the field of telecommunications.

Holy Cross sponsorship and the Catholic intellectual tradition are important components of a King's education. Fr. Basil Moreau, C. S. C., founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, expressed his vision of educating the whole person, both mind and heart, as the essential philosophy of all Holy Cross schools. In the words of its founding President, Fr. James Connerton, C.S.C., "King's teaches students not only how to make a living, but how to live."

As a School of Business within a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, the School of Business Vision Statement, Values Statement, Mission Statement, Learning Goals, Curriculum, and Strategic Planning are guided by and informed by the King’s College Mission Statement and the educational vision of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. 

The William G. McGowan School of Business is committed to the fulfilling the vision of the Blessed Basil Moreau in achieving successful outcomes for our students through:

  • Academic excellence
  • Creative pedagogy
  • Engaged mentorship
  • Co-curricular participation
  • A collaborative spirit
  • Intellectual, moral, spiritual, and personal growth in each student

In the development of engagement of students, faculty and stakeholders; the determination of impact of scholarship, learning outcomes, and student success; and, innovation in program development, evaluation, and revision, the pillars of success are built upon the educational traditions of the Congregation of Holy Cross and the vision of the Blessed Basil Moreau.  The diagram for student success which follows displays the relationships of each of areas.

The basis of a King’s College and William G. McGowan School of Business education begins with the students that are attracted to our college.  The undergraduate students represent traditional aged students from the Mid-Atlantic region with approximately 70% of the full-time students coming from Pennsylvania, 13% from New Jersey, and 8% from New York.  In educating both the hearts and the minds of the students, the School of Business focuses upon the a curriculum that achieves academic excellence through the intersection of pedagogy which stimulates intellectual, moral, spiritual, and personal growth with collaboration and mentorship by faculty, administration, staff, alumni, ad friends of the College to create in the student career readiness and the ability to work with zeal to transform the communities in which they will work and live to respect every person and work toward the common good. 

The College and School of Business Mission Statements provide the guidance for the education the student will receive at King’s and provides measures from which the impact upon the student and School of Business can be measured.  Amongst those areas which proceed from the College and School of Business Mission Statements and from which measurable impact can be considered are the following:

  • Academic excellence
  • Creative pedagogy
  • Engaged mentorship
  • Co-curricular participation
  • A collaborative spirit
  • Intellectual, moral, spiritual, and personal growth in each student
  • Professionalism, integrity, civility, and service.
  • Global spirit and understanding
  • Professional knowledge for career readiness
  • Communication skills
  • Lifelong learning preparation
  • Intellectual curiosity

STRATEGIC PLAN

Strategic Goal 1:        Academic Excellence.  The William G. McGowan School of Business strives for excellence in its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program and specialized Master of Science in Health Care Administration.

Strategic Goal 2:        Business Ethics and Social Responsibility.  The William G. McGowan School of Business strives to become a regional leader in best practices for the development and assessment of moral leadership and social responsibility in its students.

Strategic Goal 3:        Teaching Excellence.  The William G. McGowan School of Business strives to provide a student centered learning environment based on active learning techniques, small class size, and close faculty-student interaction in traditional face-to-face classroom and distance (online) education formats.

Strategic Goal 4:        Student Centeredness.  The William G. McGowan School of Business strives to provide students with personal and professional development in a diverse and changing society while educating the whole person in the tradition of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Strategic Goal 5:        External Relationships.  The William G. McGowan School of Business strives to strengthen its external relations, recognition and supporting resources from alumni, recruiters and the regional community.