WSU Plans World-Class Center for Behavioral Business Research 

The WSU College of Business will enhance its ability to partner with industry to research pressing issues with the creation of the Center for Behavioral Business Research. The center will house a state-of-the-art research facility that will incorporate both a research and educational mission. WSU students will be trained in behavioral research methods through hands-on experience under the supervision of WSU faculty and graduate students while generating consumer research on pertinent industry-motivated topics. 

 

The Boeing Company, a longtime supporter of WSU and the College of Business, has provided significant contribution to launch the project. “We are very excited to participate in the creation of a world-class, interdisciplinary research center,” says John Pricco (‘81 Mechanical Engineering), who is the Boeing executive focal for WSU, and leads the Development Process Excellence Initiative. “The center will be a tremendous benefit to WSU students, and to industries sponsoring research from around the region.” Boeing's prior contributions to the CB include the creation of the Boeing Wireless Classroom, the Boeing/Scott and Linda Carson Endowed Chair in Marketing, the Boeing Scholars Program, the Boeing Scholarship for Underrepresented Undergraduate Students, Boeing Corporate Scholarships and, most recently, a Boeing grant to provide stipends for business students who are seeking proficiency in a foreign language. 

“The Center for Behavior Business Research will have an enormous academic impact as we strive to be a globally competitive university, connecting with industry,” says WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “In addition to providing research solutions to industry partners, the center will also provide high-quality WSU graduates for the growing consumer market industry.” 

The center will be housed in the WSU College of Business at Todd Hall’s main entrance off the Terrell Mall and will provide WSU an unparalleled point of differentiation for marketing research. By bringing together industry leaders, academics and students, the center will create a unique student experience as they participate in the design, implementation and reporting of behavioral research. An integrated, interdisciplinary approach to business solutions will be applied as expertise from all areas of business faculty and other nationally recognized WSU units will be available for collaboration.  

Additional funding for the completion of the center and research projects is being sought. For more information on the Center for Behavioral Business Research, please contact Justin Marquart at marquart@wsu.edu or 509-335-7392.