Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning

Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning

Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning

The Institute transforms learning through business education innovation, unprecedented faculty support & development, and world-class educational facilities.

Mission

Made possible by the largest gift in Darden history from Sands Capital Founder, the late Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63), The Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning supports learners globally by providing transformational learning experiences in business education at all stages of their career, through both degree and non-degree programs, in a variety of formats. We achieve this through three primary focal points: world-class learning environments, innovative programming, and recruitment and retention of top-ranked faculty. 

 

Access Latest Insights: Managing Up

Managing Up whitepaper

New research from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business’ Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning and The Burning Glass Institute sheds light on the critical intersection of management education and the future of the workforce. Download a copy of the research paper, "Managing Up," to understand the evolving workforce landscape and how management education can help bridge the talent gap by preparing employees to step up into manager roles, no matter their educational background.

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The Future of Learning at Work Summit 2024

The Future of Learning at Work: A Roadmap for Talent Development in the Age of AI was the Sands Institute's inaugural summit, which brought together thought leaders in lifelong learning from Ed Tech, academia, private equity, policymaking and corporations. Featuring panel discussions, expert speakers, case discussion and special events, this interactive summit aimed to shape the national conversation on how AI is revolutionizing the approach and role of lifelong learning in today’s modern workforce. Read more about key summit highlights and check out a few photos from the April 2024 event below.

Thought Leadership and News

Faculty

Faculty support and development includes the establishment of new faculty chairs to bolster excellence and innovation in pedagogy and engagement with practice, including case writing and course and program development. A $35 million Sands Professorship Fund, comprised of a $21 million donation from Sands plus $14 million in matching funds from the UVA Bicentennial Professor Funds, will support 12 faculty chairs. 
 
Four distinguished professorship chairs honor Darden professors with a legacy of exceptional teaching and commitment to the School:

UVA - Darden School of Business - Melissa Thomas-Hunt

Melissa Thomas-Hunt

Senior Associate Dean for the Residential Full-Time MBA Program & Special Advisor to the Dean on Connection, John D. Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, Professor of Public Policy at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

George (Yiorgos) Allayannis

George (Yiorgos) Allayannis

Robert F. Bruner Distinguished Professor of Business Administration

Alan R. Beckenstein

Alan R. Beckenstein

Robert D. Landel Distinguished Professor of Business Administration

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Robert L. Carraway

Yiorgos Allayannis Distinguished Associate Professor of Business Administration

An additional eight emerging scholar chairs, called the Sands Professorships, will enable Darden to recruit and develop top faculty as the next generation of master teachers and scholars. In October 2020, the School announced the first faculty appointments to the Sands Professorships:

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Toni Irving

Frank M. Sands Sr. Professor of Practice

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Lynn A. Isabella

Frank M. Sands Sr. (M.B.A. ’63) Associate Professor Emerita of Business Administration

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Paul J. Simko

Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration

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Scott A. Snell

Eleanor F. and Phillip G. Rust Professor of Business Administration

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Kimberly A. Whitler

Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration

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Peter Belmi

Scott C. Beardsley Associate Professor of Business Administration

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Elizabeth A. Powell

Julie Logan Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Director, Compassionate Care Initiative

June A. West

June A. West

Marjorie R. Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration

Leadership

Meet the team leading the Sands Institute, including the CEO and supporting staff.

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In the face of global uncertainty, rapid changes in technology, and a dynamic marketplace, leaders must be able to continually grow, learn and develop to create positive change.

The Late Frank M. Sands Sr.
(MBA '63), Founder of Sands Capital; Benefactor of the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning at UVA Darden