EMBA Skamania 2014
The Executive MBA experience kicks off each fall with a five day residential program at Skamania Lodge on the Columbia River east of Portland. Away from the distractions of daily life, first year students immerse themselves in intensive instruction, collaborative projects and bonding with their fellow students. Here are some snapshots of this year’s residential session, with comments by students on the value of the experience, including a challenging class with the inimitable Charles Hill, Professor of Management & Organization and the faculty director of the EMBA Program.
“The rapid pace of learning at Skamania was outstanding. The professors provided ample material to read, contemplate and absorb in preparation for five consecutive days of class. During the daily sessions, students were required to recall significant portions of the assigned material to examine precepts of micro economics, finance and leadership.”
“Charles comes at you as-advertised – fast and intense – with questions requiring that you to not only read the assigned material, but also to think deeply about it. This deep thinking will get you about 60% of where you need to be. From there, you have to take a deep breath, sit on the edge of your seat and lean into it. Fortunately, the intensity of Charles’ class session is matched by his love of teaching and fair approach. It won’t hurt too badly.”
“The intensity at residency was unreal. Long days, amplified by classroom encounters with professor Charles Hill out of Scared Straight resulted in a searing educational experience. I’ve never learned more in a shorter time period. The fear of failure in the classroom quickly dissipates as everyone participates, and gets not-so-politely corrected by professor Charles Hill.”
“There were three constant thoughts that ran through my head while at Skamania and in the Charles Hill hot seat:
- No matter what you do, do not criticize the text or mention that it might be a little dry because the guy standing in front of you (Charles Hill) wrote it.
- If I look him directly in the eye maybe he won’t see me …. darn it, that didn’t work!
- Everyone is watching so here goes nothing! Please be the correct answer, please be the correct answer….
On a serious note I remember thinking how interesting his class was and that despite being exhausted what a good job he did keeping us all engaged in the class. Additionally I recall thinking how impressed I was with the caliber of the professors and how lucky I was to be a part of such a smart and talented cohort, Skamania was a very humbling experience for me.”
“Skamania overall was a tremendous opportunity to sit through several intense days of class and brush away the mental cobwebs. More so, though, it was an opportunity to spend focused time with your new classmates and teammates. A great time to start some shared experiences and friendships of a kind that are harder to find the older you become.”
