AAMBAA History

Thank you for considering the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business for your MBA. We feel that the GSB has much to offer all MBA students, particularly African-American students. The Chicago GSB has been a premier institution for developing great business leaders in the African-American community. Starting with Arthur Turnbull, the first African-American graduate of the Chicago GSB

Arthur N. Turnbull
M.B.A. '26

Arthur was born on August 16, 1904, in Chicago, Illinois. After attending Hyde Park High School, he enrolled at The University of Chicago. In 1926, Mr. Turnbull became the first African American to graduate from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. As a native Chicagoan, Mr. Turnbull was deeply interested in the well-being of the entire Chicago community. His devotion to achievement and to community service was illustrated throughout his life, but most profoundly in his commitment to children. For 41 years, Mr. Turnbull worked in the Chicago Public School system as a teacher and counselor, as well as one of the seven organizers of Dunbar Vocational High School. After retiring in 1969, Mr. Turnbull became Vice President of the Retired Teachers Association.

In 1964 the University of Chicago became the first business school to develop a minority scholarship program.

Interestingly enough, the National Black MBA Association was conceptualized in 1970 by a group of MBA students at the University of Chicago, the Association and was incorporated in 1974 as a non- profit organization.

As the composition of students of color at the GSB has grown at a compounded rate of over 18% over the past five years, AAMBAA is consistently at the forefront in leading diversity efforts at the GSB. As the 2007-2008 school year looks to be one of the best years ever at the GSB, we hope to continue in the growth and preservation of our great heritage of leadership and stewardship.