Mission 

The mission of the School of Professional Studies is to draw on Brown University’s commitment to academic excellence, intellectual freedom, and diversity, equity and inclusion to create and deliver programs that empower learners at all career stages to transform themselves, their workplaces and the communities they serve.
 

Vision

Inspire and prepare graduate and professional learners to transform the way the world works for good.

The School of Professional Studies is one of Brown University’s four schools, in addition to the Graduate School and undergraduate College. With its origins dating back three decades to Brown’s summer and continuing studies program, SPS was established as a stand-alone school in 2014, under the leadership of Karen Sibley, Ed.D., with the purpose of enhancing the University’s reach and impact in the world by reaching new communities of learners across the career continuum through distinctive degree and non-degree programs aligned with Brown’s academic strengths.

Today, SPS offers a range of programs of varying lengths and modes of delivery, including professional degree programs in Healthcare Leadership, Technology Leadership, and the top ranked IE Brown Executive MBA; more than 30 early career master’s programs spanning all disciplines; and non-degree executive education and professional certificates.

Leadership

• 2014-2019: Karen Sibley, Ed.D., Emeritus Dean, School of Professional Studies
• 2019-2022: Leah VanWey, Dean of the Faculty, Brown University
• 2022-present: Shankar Prasad, Dean, School of Professional Studies, Vice President, Academic Innovation

In August 2020, seven dedicated alumni of the Brown University School of Professional Studies (SPS) were selected by their peers and the SPS administration to launch an advisory council focused on eliminating anti-Black racism. The Council’s purpose is to make recommendations and hold the SPS accountable for ensuring that systemic anti-Black racism issues within the Brown community, on and off campus, are addressed.

The Council will review, address and advise the SPS on a variety of salient topics including, but not limited to:

• Recruitment of diverse staff and faculty
• Curriculum content
• Co-curricular experiences
• Alumni Engagement

The Council will support the larger Brown University community in providing opportunity and growth by creating an inviting culture for prospects, applicants, students, and alumni as well as acknowledging the contributions, specific challenges and vocational development of Black students and alumni.