A demonstrated leader and an alumnus with a history of deep engagement with Ohio State and Fisher College of Business was recently honored for his contributions to advancing and elevating diversity throughout the practice of business.

Jesse Tyson (MBA ’76) was named one of 30 Influential Leaders by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International in its second annual survey of business school alumni. Tyson serves as the CEO of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) after a 35-year career at Exxon Mobil.

“Jesse is a proud Fisher College of Business alumnus and, to this day, he remains engaged with his alma mater in countless ways,” said Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business at Fisher. “He is a fixture in Fisher’s classrooms as a guest lecturer and speaker. As CEO of the NBMBAA, Jesse provides our students opportunities to attend his organization’s signature events. He is a dynamic member of my Advisory Council and a trusted source for leadership and strategic insight essential to the direction of our college, our students and Ohio State.”

View the AACSB's 2016 Influential Leaders

Launched in 2015 to honor notable alumni from AACSB-accredited business schools, the AACSB Influential Leaders initiative continues to recognize business school graduates for the positive impact they make on society, and the inspiring example they set for others.

“The 2016 Influential Leaders illustrates how the power of a business degree to goes beyond—beyond industries, reaching lives in every part of the world—pioneering change, fostering global exchange, and improving the quality of life,” said Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International. “I would like to thank Jesse for exemplifying how business graduates can be a positive force in society, and congratulate Fisher College of Business and The Ohio State University for their role in helping to develop the knowledge, skills and fortitude needed to address some of the toughest challenges we face today.”

Tyson and the 29 other recipients represent 15 industry sectors—from social enterprise to health care to technology—across 11 countries. While all of this year’s leaders differ in their fields and paths to success, many employ similar approaches to helping businesses thrive in ways that positively impact society, including:

• Pushing the boundaries of business through innovation and technology
• Advancing education and employment through entrepreneurship
• Fostering diversity, inclusion and equality
• Creating a more sustainable future
• Ensuring healthy lives