College of Business News: Chris Lapham named Executive MBA Director

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DENVER – Colorado State University’s College of Business has hired Chris Lapham as director of its nationally ranked Denver Executive MBA Program.

“Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to our program,” said John Hoxmeier, associate dean of graduate programs and associate professor in the College of Business. “He will help us create innovative approaches to growing our program and increasing the pool of highly skilled, well-educated workers in the region and in the state.”

The Denver Executive MBA Program is designed for core management professionals with eight years of work experience and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. The program provides a strong business foundation so an individual can step comfortably into any executive-level role. The 21-month program receives hundreds of inquires annually and admits about 20 students.

Lapham and his wife graduated from Colorado State’s distance MBA program this spring.

Lapham received his bachelor’s degree in management from Linfield College in Oregon. He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as an avionics technician and five years with Tektronix, a world leader in test, measurement and monitoring solutions. He has 10 years of professional sales and sales support experience with Alliance Data Systems, a provider of outsourced customer care and billing applications to the utility industry. Lapham also holds additional certificates in professional sales, relationship management and leadership.

According to The Princeton Review, Colorado State’s MBA program is one of the best in the nation. Based on data obtained from 237 colleges and surveys of 16,000 students, the program ranked second in the “best administered” category.

“The College of Business is on the way to becoming the premier business school in the region, and the Executive MBA program has a key role to play in obtaining that status,” said Lapham.

Graduates of the Colorado State program gain an ability to analyze complex business situations and use appropriate tools to make informed decisions. They gain a deepened understanding of all business functions, an expanded professional network and confidence in their ability to function and lead at an executive level.

Lessons and concepts learned in class are often put to use in the workplace the very next day, Lapham said. As a result of new skills, many students are recognized through greater responsibilities, promotions and increases in compensation in their current professions.

Lapham said the program was recently expanded to include an international trip for students midway through the program. Students gain firsthand understanding of global operations, international business practices and cultural relationships.

Last year, the college introduced the MBA for Life program, which is designed to keep alumni connected to the College of Business and each other. MBA for Life offers ongoing educational and training opportunities to keep alumni competitive in their industries. Guest speakers and networking events are offered free to existing students and alumni.

“An MBA is one of the most sought after degrees in the world,” said Lapham. “Colorado State has recognized this and has developed a dynamic program of study specifically for professionals and executives who want a high-level learning experience while maintaining an active career.”

Colorado State’s MBA Program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. AACSB International is the premier international accrediting agency for schools and colleges of business and is considered one of higher education’s strictest accrediting bodies.