
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Welcomes Three New Members to Its Board of Trustees
Monday, 02 November 2026 09:00 AM
Company Update
Leaders in MBA admissions, program leadership and career development from Rice University, Indiana University and the University of Michigan join The Consortium Board.
CHESTERFIELD, MO / ACCESS Newswire / November 2, 2026 / The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) today announced three new members of its Board of Trustees: Jessica Steptoe, Assistant Dean for Recruiting and Admissions at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business; Emily Stern, Executive Director of the Full-Time + Flex MBA program at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business; and Heather Byrne, Managing Director of the Career Development Office at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management was founded in 1966 on the belief that expanding access to graduate management education requires collective action. Over the past six decades, that commitment has brought institutions and leaders together to address barriers to opportunity and create pathways for talented individuals to pursue advanced business education. As The Consortium marks this milestone, collaboration remains central to the work of sustaining its mission and extending its impact.
The Consortium's Board of Trustees includes representatives from each of its 22 member schools, along with selected corporate and alumni leadership. Steptoe, Stern and Byrne join as the board representatives of Rice Business, Indiana Kelley and Michigan Ross, respectively, effective October 1. The Consortium would like to thank the previous Board representatives from these institutions for their service and lasting impact: James Holmen (Indiana University, retired), Lina Bell (Rice University, retired), and David Wooten (University of Michigan, Alfred L. Edwards Collegiate Professor of Marketing). "The Consortium has always depended on its partnership with member schools. Jessica, Emily and Heather bring perspective from admissions, program leadership and career development, and we are grateful for their service on the Board of Trustees," said Eric Allen, CEO and Executive Director of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management.
Jessica Steptoe, Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business. Steptoe leads recruiting and admissions at Rice's Jones Graduate School of Business. She has 15 years of experience in undergraduate and graduate enrollment management at public and private institutions, with a focus on student-centered recruitment, scholarship management and the candidate experience.
Emily Stern, Indiana University Kelley School of Business. As executive director of the Full-Time + Flex MBA program at Kelley, Stern leads initiatives that support student success and strengthen community. She has more than 20 years of experience in student services, global programs, enrollment management and alumni engagement, and has developed and led cross-cultural programs and global learning experiences. She works closely with students, faculty, staff, alumni and employers.
Heather Byrne, University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Byrne leads career coaching, employer relations and operations in support of students across all Michigan Ross programs. She joined the school in 2007 and has since served as managing director of the MBA Program and director of Student Life. Before working in higher education, she was a professional dancer in Los Angeles, performing in film and television. Byrne is a University of Michigan alumna.
"The Consortium's strength comes from the schools that make up its community. Having trustees who lead admissions, MBA programs and career development means the board reflects the student journey, from the first application to the first job after graduation," said Cynthia Saunders-Cheatham, Chair of The Consortium's Board of Trustees and Associate Dean for Student Services, Admissions and Career Management at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
The Consortium works with its member schools, corporate partners, students and alumni to expand access and increase representation in business education and leadership. More information about the Board of Trustees is available at cgsm.org/who-we-are/our-team/.
About The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
Founded in 1966, The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management exists to identify, support and advance exceptional graduate management talent shaped by broad lived experiences and perspectives committed to the advancement of under-resourced and often underestimated communities. Through collaboration with its 22 member schools, corporate partners and an engaged alumni network of more than 12,000, The Consortium cultivates high-potential business leaders who strengthen learning in graduate business environments and contribute to a more inclusive and productive business world. Learn more at cgsm.org.
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Media contact: Ashley Sowers, [email protected]
SOURCE: Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
