Degrees and Pedigrees: The Education of Americas Top Executives

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The book answers the questions of how and where America educates its leading chief executive officers. Where are Americas top executives educated What do they study Do they typically attend the nations most elite colleges Or do they, like millions of other students, choose colleges because of reasons like proximity, cost, and state pride How important are advanced degrees to their success Is the MBA a prerequisite for becoming a CEO I address these questions based on a study of 344 of the countrys highest profile CEOs selected to represent a wide range of organizations and businesses. The book will establish a theme that the majority of America's most high-powered CEOs did not attend elite colleges/universities or earn an MBA or graduate from highly selective institutions. Certainly, a significant number did so and were advantaged by the opportunity, but more often they were able to fashion for themselves a high-quality education at a rich array of institutions- publicandprivate, regional and flagship, small and large, religious and secular. What proves more important than what colleges these leading executives attended, is the kinds of deep relationships and mentored experiences they developed. I illuminate these experiences through several vignettes in each chapter.

Reviews

Nietzels study of CEO education confirms the advantages provided by elite education but more importantly, reaffirms the importance of public higher education at non-elite universities, not just for providing education for our democracy but for producing some of our nations finest leaders and entrepreneurs. -- Terry Birdwhistell, Dean of Libraries and William T. Young Chiar, William T. Young Libraries
Nietzels comprehensive study of CEO education highlights the formative impact that many colleges and universities have on the nations leading chief executives. The idea that a college education has value in our society is well understood, but the notion that many successful executives and business leaders received their training not from the highest-ranked institutions, but from foundational colleges and universities is a reality we should all think of as we plan for the future. -- Jeremy Anderson, President, Education Commission of the States
Mike Nietzels exhaustive research and analysis clearly concludes that those seeking success in business and myriad other fields are perhaps best served by attending non-marque universities. This book is a must-read for college-aged students and public policymakers who would learn a lot about value and quality. -- Tom George, Chancellor, University of MissouriSt. Louis

Author Bio

Michael T. Nietzel is currently the Deputy Director of the Department of Mental Health for the state of Missouri. Prior to this position, Nietzel, who earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois, served as Senior Policy Advisor to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (2011-2016), President of Missouri State University (2005-2010), and Provost at the University of Kentucky (2001-2005).