MBOE program recognized for bringing insights and action to food insecurity

A collaboration that’s bringing operational excellence insights to a central Ohio nonprofit has been recognized as an innovator in the business education space.

Fisher’s Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program and its longstanding relationship with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) was recently highlighted as one of AACSB International’s Innovations That Inspire. 

The annual spotlight recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in business education. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition and to highlight the exceptional partnership we have developed with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective,” said Jurriaan de Jong, clinical assistant professor and academic director of the MBOE program at Fisher. 

“Our collaboration with MOFC exemplifies how experiential learning opportunities at Fisher serve as vital connections between academic coursework and real-world problem-solving.”

For the past seven years, students and faculty in the MBOE program have collaborated with MOFC on projects that optimize operational processes in the organization and improve its delivery and distribution of nutritious food to hungry individuals throughout the region. These projects have helped MOFC provide nearly 140,000 meals each day to stabilize families, energize the community to address the root causes of hunger, and connect hungry neighbors with community services to aid them in achieving economic sufficiency.

Fisher was one of 26 business schools selected for the 2025 honor, which focused on institutions that are innovating through partnerships, forging collaborative solutions that elevate communities and businesses, shape market-responsive curricula, implement cutting-edge learning methods, and develop impactful leaders.

Learn more about the AACSB recognition

“This year’s Innovations That Inspire honorees exemplify the power of collaboration between business and higher education in driving positive change,” said Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB, the world’s largest business education association. 

“Fisher’s dedication to industry-centered education showcases how business schools are fostering innovation and ensuring graduates enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact.”

Since its launch in 2016, the Innovations That Inspire program has recognized 266 business school initiatives for their trailblazing contributions to education, research, societal impact, entrepreneurship and leadership.