Whitmore Center Announces Name Change

PROVO, Utah – Sep 03, 2020 – At the start of the school year, the Whitmore Global Management Center is turning over a new leaf—or actually a name to be more precise. The Brigham Young University Board of Trustees approved the center to be renamed the Kay and Yvonne Whitmore Global Business Center.

“We’re pleased to announce this new name change,” says Bruce Money, Whitmore Center executive director. “While the work done inside the center will remain the same, our new name will help communicate more clearly our mission to help students make an impact in the global business market.”

The center is named after Kay Whitmore, former CEO of the Eastman Kodak Company, and his wife, Yvonne. Kay and Yvonne’s belief in hard work and fostering an international community are at the core of the center’s mission and purpose.

Since 2002 the Whitmore Global Business Center has provided resources, training, and professional development to students and faculty at BYU Marriott as well as to the local business community. The center assists in global business research and outreach by providing educational opportunities to help students find success in global business. Students from more than 65 majors across campus are involved in its various certificates, minors, and international experiences.

“In the Whitmore Global Business Center, we are focused on creating global leaders for today and the future,” says Jonathon Wood, the center’s managing director. “To be effective, these students will not only need knowledge and frameworks to guide them but also hands-on personal experiences navigating the world and its cultures.”

The United States Department of Education designated the Whitmore Center as one of only seventeen Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) around the country. In its role as a CIBER, the Whitmore Center works to increase and promote faculty research globally and fund international learning experiences for students from BYU as well as local Utah high schools.

“The Whitmore Global Business Center is a powerful educational force for preparing internationally minded business leaders,” says Brigitte C. Madrian, BYU Marriott School of Business dean. “I am proud of the faculty, staff, and students who help foster excellence in global business here at BYU Marriott.” 

The Whitmore Global Business Center is part of the BYU Marriott School of Business, which prepares men and women of faith, character, and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Named for benefactors J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott, the school is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States.