University of Rochester’s Simon School

Florescue Undergraduate Program Joins The Simon Business School

Big news is coming to the University of Rochester.

Starting this fall 2026, the Barry Florescue Undergraduate Business Program will officially become part of the Simon Business School. For the past 13 years, this program has lived within the School of Arts & Sciences, growing into one of Rochester’s most popular academic tracks, with nearly 250 graduates last year alone. Now, it’s stepping into a new chapter that promises even more opportunity, rigor, and real-world relevance.

EXPANDING THE PARTNERSHIP

This is the next natural move in what has been a long-standing partnership between Simon and Arts & Sciences. Together, the two schools have built a new program that will blend liberal arts exploration and professional business training. In the past, students have been encouraged to double major in everything from psychology to physics, and now Simon is taking the reins to push it even further.

“This move ensures that students in the undergraduate business program will have access to Simon’s analytic rigor and long-standing reputation,” says Provost Nicole Sampson.

Students will still get the broad, flexible education they’ve come to expect but now with even more access to Simon’s data-driven mindset, global perspective, and AI-forward approach.

Simon’s interim dean who was brought in in July, Mitch Lovett, believes the move will better position students for the future, “This transition strengthens our ability to provide undergraduates with the same rigor, data-driven, AI-forward approach, and global perspective that distinguish Simon’s graduate programs.”

Undergrads will also have full access to Simon’s alumni network, corporate partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences. For them, this means more internships, mentorships, and hands-on projects with real companies, plus the chance to learn alongside Simon’s graduate students and faculty.

All in all, the Barry Florescue program will still keep its strong foundation in liberal arts, but now with the full power of Simon behind it.

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