Putting Students and Faculty in a Position to Succeed

Watching students fulfill their potential and pursue their academic and professional dreams is an enormous motivator for Talon Brown, Dean of the University of West Los Angeles’ (UWLA) School of Business. Serving also as Chief Strategy Officer for the school, Talon has been with the school for approximately nine years. 

Prior to his role as Dean, Talon gained invaluable business experience working for large banks, such as Chase and Pacific Western Bank. As a practicing attorney, he also spent time as a litigator. This broad background has proven invaluable in helping to formulate an effective program for UWLA’s School of Business.

We spent some time talking to Talon, learning more about his approach as Dean and his views on the value of higher education in general.

Q: In your role as Dean of the Business School, what do you do for students as well as faculty?

Talon: In a nutshell, I operate and oversee the various programs at UWLA’s School of Business. I work with faculty and students to ensure all our programs run smoothly and offer great learning experiences and growth opportunities. Additionally, I lead projects, including the growth and creation of new programs, reviewing and updating our current programs, faculty development, student services, administrative tasks, and partnerships.

I particularly enjoy being able to create a platform that sets a foundation for life-changing opportunities. Every day students are able to gain skills that will help them succeed professionally. I get a great deal of pleasure from watching relationships form between classmates, students, and professors, and seeing students get the most out of their educational experience as a result of the work we do here at UWLA.

Q: UWLA has earned a strong reputation for empowering students in very practical ways that serve them well in the business world. Can you share a few examples? 

Talon: Honestly, I could provide countless examples, but I’ll share two that I think reveal what is possible for students of UWLA. One example was when one of our first School of Business students took our entrepreneurship practicum course, where you build a business plan and pitch a business. He was a full-time nurse who had a strong interest in working in the business field. He took the business idea that he created in class and pitched it to his healthcare superiors, and they were intrigued and wanted to explore it further. This is a good example of how UWLA turned a student into an entrepreneur, giving him the confidence to change his life. I’m proud to say that we helped this student create a whole new skill set. It was truly the personification of UWLA executing its mission and its learning objectives.

Another good example was a retirement-ready C-level executive who was enrolled in our program. She had made it to the highest levels of business without a BS degree. She enrolled in our School of Business not because she wanted to improve her salary prospects, but did it instead for her own fulfillment. She told us that earning her BS made her feel as confident and fulfilled as any job title she had earned and that she learned even more about being in the business world from our programs, even though she had made it to the top already professionally. She later went on to attend our MS program, which shows her enjoyment and the quality of our programs.

Q: We know you are keenly focused on students, but in your role as Dean you are also responsible for faculty members.  Can you share any examples of exemplary faculty at UWLA?

Talon: One of the most inspiring teachers at UWLA is Professor Martin. He is the epitome of a leader. His military service alone speaks to the kind of person he is, and why he is now so committed to serving others in his role as an educator. He is highly respected as a role model in almost every community he’s been a part of. One of the qualities I most admire is his unique style in leading his classes, while still relating to students on a personal level. We are lucky to have him.

Q: What would you say is the true value of an education at UWLA?

Talon: In my mind, the true valuation is one that can be used. At UWLA, you are learning skills and insight that you can leverage. Those things can get you jobs, make you stand out at your job or interview, and start to have a closer correlation to the income you generate and the opportunities you have. We highly value theory at UWLA, but we also strongly believe in the value of useable knowledge. That’s what makes UWLA different.

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for UWLA?

Talon: I would like UWLA to be known by a larger group of potential students and our community at large. I want them to know there is an option that is affordable, high quality, and, of course, high touch. At UWLA, we offer a family feeling in our education program, which admittedly, may not be for everyone, but for those who will excel in this type of environment, I really want them to be aware that this option exists and we would welcome them to our institution.

Q: If a prospective student were reading this, what would you say to them about coming to UWLA?

Talon: Come visit, meet, speak to, and get familiar with UWLA. For many people, I truly believe it is a special environment that allows you to optimize your skills and knowledge, and feel good about yourself while you do it. Also, to make valuable, treasured, personal relationships and be part of our academic family. Elite education without being elitist as President Brown puts it.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s not sure about continuing their education?

Talon: There are a lot of reasons why it may not be the perfect time to continue your education or perhaps other options may seem like the better decision. But we have found that almost everyone who comes to UWLA to continue their education says the same thing - “I wish I had done this sooner.” Like most things in life, when it comes to the challenges of continuing your education, you figure it out, you work around it, and you overcome it. In the end, it’s always worth the journey.

We like to use the pool analogy when talking to students. You can look at the pool, ask how cold the water is, and walk around the pool while other people have jumped in and are enjoying their day in the pool. But we have found that sometimes, you just have to jump in. That’s when you realize how great it is and the water is just fine.