It is a deeply rooted history that ties together the presently partnered Brookings Executive Education and Olin Business School. The inaugural source of this connection can be attributed to an innovative, thought leader: Robert S. Brookings.
Brookings Executive Education (BEE) is a direct beneficiary of Robert S. Brookings, the St. Louis businessman and philanthropist who was president of WUSTL’s Board of Trustees from 1895 to 1928. During this time, Brookings played a pivotal role in the development of the University’s main campus. Through his leadership and foresight, Brookings marshaled the resources to create the original buildings on campus. As head of the University’s governing board, he gave much of his time, fortune, and personal estate to revitalize the University and its medical school.
In 1916, Brookings worked with other government reformers to create the first private organization devoted to the fact-based study of public policy. The new Institute for Government Research became the chief advocate for effective and efficient public service, and sought to bring “science” to the study of government. He was called to service by President Woodrow Wilson to run the Pricing Board during World War I. It was during this service that he realized the need for developing leaders in government who were schooled in the art of handling problems. Brookings then created two sister organizations, the Institute of Economics (1922) and the Robert S. Brookings Graduate School (1923.) In 1927, these three organizations combined to create the establishment that bears his name: the Brookings Institution.
Brookings’ deep commitment to public service and education is reflected in the partnership between these two institutions for which he was a common benefactor. BEE is committed to delivering on his promise to “teach the art of handling problems rather than simply impart accumulated knowledge.” Through BEE, the remarkable legacy of Robert S. Brookings continues into a new century, and all who engage in BEE classes are direct beneficiaries of this remarkable man.
Photo credit: Brookings Hall, WUSTL campus, Joe Angeles
